The New Jersey Institute of Technology will receive $1.3 million for two new initiatives aimed at growing manufacturing talent in the state, according to a Jan. 20 press release.
The funding comes from the Biden administration’s recent $1.7 trillion federal spending package, and will support efforts to expand access to engineering education and advanced manufacturing skills training in traditionally underserved communities.
“The funding for these important initiatives will open more doors for more people, and will yield a better and more diverse workforce,” NJIT President Teik Lim said in a statement. “Talent is everywhere but opportunities are not – we are fixing that.”
A path to pursue engineering
The first initiative, dubbed the “Community College Pre-Engineering Network,” seeks to close the gap between open engineering jobs and available graduates by working to prepare students for STEM degree programs.
It specifically aims to help community college transfer students, who have “traditionally low acceptance and graduation rates due to a lack of four-year college preparation in rigorous academic programs,” according to the release.
The initiative establishes a six-week summer program to introduce students to engineering majors and themes, as well as hands-on training. The program will primarily focus on recruiting “underrepresented, minority and female students,” in coordination with the New Jersey Community College Consortium, according to the release.
In doing so, the program hopes to grow the engineering student population by engaging a diverse group of students typically underrepresented in the field. In 2019, Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals collectively made up 30% of the employed U.S. population but made up only 23% of the STEM workforce, the National Science Foundation reported.
More than 60% of Black and Hispanic engineers from New Jersey graduate from NJIT, according to the institute.
Training for technical roles
The second initiative will upskill individuals from underserved and economically disadvantaged communities for the advanced manufacturing and mechatronics workforce, helping to fill a need for technical workers in the industry.
The 10-month pre-apprenticeship program will prepare participants for entry-level technician or artisan positions and apprenticeships via hands-on training, according to the release. The initiative covers manufacturing skills including using machinery, mechanical and electrical devices and mechatronics and PLC programming and operations.
NJIT said it will focus on recruiting and engaging a diverse pool of participants, primarily minority, women, dislocated workers, disadvantaged and low-income individuals ages 16 to 30, from the Greater Newark area.
“We must ensure New Jersey students have the opportunities and support to take on high-skilled jobs in the STEM fields and compete in the workforce,” New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said in a statement. “I am proud to secure this investment that will allow New Jersey Institute of Technology—a national leader in student upward mobility—to equip students with in-demand skills and provide our employers with a robust talent pool.”
