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Preparing K-12 and higher education IT leaders for the exponential era

New Jersey Colleges Get $34.5M for Tech, Infrastructure

State grants will afford the College of New Jersey and Thomas Edison State University modernized classrooms, labs, information technology and other infrastructure to support virtual learning, research and collaboration.

Thomas Edison State University
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(TNS) — The College of New Jersey is receiving over $33 million and Thomas Edison State University another $1.5 million in grants courtesy of the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

The grants, part of a $400 million program to enhance New Jersey's higher education sector, are being awarded through four revolving Capital Facilities Bond programs, aimed to address infrastructure and technology needs and ensuring improved access to high-quality postsecondary education.

"By funding capital improvement projects, we affirm our commitment to high-quality education and talent growth across the Garden State," said Governor Phil Murphy in a press release touting the program. "We want more bright young people to pursue higher education right here in our state."

TCNJ's money will be earmarked for educating the next generation of New Jersey's health care workers, and TESU's cash will go toward much-needed IT upgrades.

"Through these grants, campuses will be able to fund repairs, enhance their locations, and build for the future," Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian K. Bridges said in the release.

The grants will be released through the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF), Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT), Higher Education Equipment Leasing Fund (ELF), and Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund (HETI). These funds will help colleges and universities preserve, renew, and construct facilities and equipment, ensuring they meet modern standards.

"These grants demonstrate a continued commitment to providing modernized classrooms, labs, and technological infrastructure," said Sheryl Stitt, Executive Director of the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority. "Congratulations to all the institutions receiving funds through this competitive grant cycle."

The grants, totaling approximately $400 million, will significantly enhance the postsecondary experience in New Jersey. They will enable the transformation of campus spaces into flexible, multi-purpose areas that meet the needs of 21st-century learners. These spaces will support virtual learning, research, and collaboration through state-of-the-art connectivity.

"By investing in high-need fields like engineering and healthcare and upgrading classrooms, New Jersey's colleges and universities will advance learning and innovation," said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. "Increased investment in education leads to greater economic growth, benefiting all residents."

©2023 The Trentonian, Trenton, N.J. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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