Page 31 - MidJersey Business - September 2015

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Currently, 200 students are either in the RN to BSN program or have recently graduated.
STEM EDUCATION
Education in Science, Technology, Engi- neering, and Math (STEM) disciplines is viewed as key to our nation’s economic growth and global competitiveness. In July, The College of New Jersey broke ground on construction and expansion projects that include a new STEM Building, an addition to the existing chemistry facility,
a glass-enclosed forum that will connect the new STEM Building with the existing Biology Building to create a unified inter- disciplinary STEM Complex, and a nursing simulation lab. The project, funded in part by New Jersey’s “Building Our Future Bond,” will increase the college’s science- related spaces by nearly 60 percent and is scheduled for completion in August 2017.
“We’re not building this building because we hope to have good STEM programs,” says TCNJ President R. Barbara Giten- stein. “We’re building on success here and we’re giving these already strong programs the support and facilities they need and de- serve so we can continue to serve our state’s economic workforce needs.”
Harris School Sof Business
Meeting the demand for continued education
tudents are expressing that it is feasible for them to embark on continued education focused on specific trades for several reasons.
Chief among them is the lower cost than two or four-year pro- grams. But these programs are also shorter, which means quicker entry into job market. The certifiable skills learned tend to be at the top of student credentials and often outweigh requirements for
previous experience in a chosen field. And the hands-on learning within smaller class environments with more instructor interaction is seen as an attraction.
The faculty of these programs are proven in their fields and dedicated to their students’ success. Career schools offer more latitude to instructors in exceed course requirements by combining lectures and lab work with other supplemen- tal activities such as community involvement, guest speakers, field trips, and themed educational activities.
Harris faculty, staff, and administration are focused on helping students achieve their career goals. Many on campus are come from a wide range of societal and economic backgrounds. Younger attendees are seeking a viable route to elevating themselves and their families to higher social and income levels. Older attendees are returning to the work force after multi-year hiatus’ from their careers.
These programs also expand the curriculum with related real-world skills, including professionalism in the workplace, dressing for success, matching trade and interpersonal skills with prospective employers’ needs. Anecdotal examples include:
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