PATERSON, N.J. – U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) announced $1.95 million in U.S. Department of Education grants for the Hispanic Serving Institutions Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (HSI STEM) and Articulation Program. Bergen Community College received $1,121,725 under the grant program and Passaic County Community College received $833,542.

“As technology is further integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives, STEM programs better prepare our students and make out nation stronger. We have a large number of Hispanic students in our area, and this grant program was created specifically to ensure that they have equal access to the math-, science-, and technology-oriented educational settings that other students are afforded,” said Rep. Pascrell.

"As a former educator, I have always been a staunch supporter of community colleges as they serve the needs of the local community first while preparing our residents for a wide variety of career paths. This grant can be a game-changer for some of our young people, and I'm proud to support it."

The HSI STEM and Articulation Program, which is administered through the Department of Education, aims to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students attaining degrees in the STEM fields and develop model transfer articulation agreements between two-year and four-year institutions in these fields.

This grant funding can be used to revise and develop STEM curriculum; provide faculty training, research opportunities, and support services for students; and update STEM facilities and purchase equipment.