Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** bergen and its partners are fully…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** bergen and its partners are fully committed to implement this collaborative effort to enhance the quality of teaching and learning to more closely align bergen's culinary, food, plant, biology, horticulture and environmental science curriculum to meet the pre-requisite course requirements of rutgers university degree programs offered at its HSI newark campus and new brunswick campus in agriculture and food systems and agribusiness and supply chain management. The grant will also expand experiential learning opportunities for students in preparation for career opportunities in the skills required by business partners along the region's farm-to-table continuum, and strengthen and deepen partner capacity to effectively support academic and career attainment goals for increased numbers of students, especially those who are underrepresented in agriculture and food systems occupations. The project expects to serve 300 students, including high school juniors and seniors participating in bergen dual enrollment program and current BCC students enrolled in culinary and food sciences, horticulture, and hotel, restaurant management programs. The project will support 25 students in obtaining two-year degrees or certificates in these disciplines. IT will also enroll students with special need to provide certification and experiential learning opportunities. The project anticipates the transfer of 15 students to be enrolled in BS degree programs in agribusiness, supply chain management and agriculture and food systems programs. The project will create new courses and curriculum, engaging faculty, local businesses, organizations and agricultural agencies to support project outcomes. The project will develop and disseminate sustainable practices for 2 and 4-year colleges to increase opportunities for hispanic and other underrepresented students pursing educational and career advancement opportunities in fanh-related growth occupations and career pathways.