College receives federal PBI grant

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) announced Sept. 24 that Bloomfield College has been awarded funding under the U.S. Department of Education’s Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Program to increase its capacity to promote the postsecondary success of African-American and other high-need science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Science Education students.

The grant amount will be $600,000 from Oct.1, 2015 through Sept. 30, 2016. Depending on Congressional appropriations, the grant will total $3 million over five years, from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2020, with annual funding of $600,000.

 “STEM is essential to the economic future of our nation, which is why it is so important to increase access to education in innovative fields for our students,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “This federal funding will better enable Bloomfield College to improve college readiness and provide a high-quality education to our future STEM leaders.”

The PBI Program makes grant awards to eligible institutions to plan, develop, and implement programs to enhance the institution’s capacity to serve more low- and middle-income African American students; to expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and postsecondary education; and to strengthen the financial ability of the institution to serve the academic needs of these students.

The Division of Natural Science & Mathematics at Bloomfield College offers tracks leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in allied health technologies, biology, chemistry, clinical laboratory sciences and mathematics, as well as concentrations in pre-chiropractic, pre-medical and pre-podiatry studies.

The College also offers students the chance to conduct research alongside faculty through the Student Research Stipend Program, an initiative that provides students with stipend funding for conducting cutting-edge research alongside institutional faculty outside of normal course hours.

“The underrepresentation of African-American and high-need students in STEM professions has a detrimental impact on their long-term earning potential and on the financial status of their communities,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Dr. Tresmaine Grimes. “The new PBI grant will allow Bloomfield College to expand services that help improve the academic success, retention and graduation rates of students who are interested in pursuing STEM careers. 

“Additionally, the funds will allow the College to broaden opportunities for local middle and high school students to increase their college readiness skills and exposure to STEM majors and careers. Ultimately, the grant will bolster Bloomfield College's ability to increase the number and quality of underrepresented students who pursue and obtain STEM careers, and have a positive impact on communities throughout the State of New Jersey and beyond.”

NJTV covered the PBI Grant Event with the following: