Bloomfield, New Jersey- U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) today is applauding Bloomfield College’s receipt of funding from 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 college will use grant funding to increase STEM and Science Education and STEM career development for African-American and other high-need students. Funds will also benefit 8th grade and high school students participating in the college’s STEM Summer Experience and Early College STEM Program.

“The key to America’s future competitiveness is making sure that our young people receive the best education possible, particularly in mathematics, science, and engineering,” said Frelinghuysen, New Jersey’s only member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “This grant is further evidence that Bloomfield College is a full partner in this effort.  I applaud President Richard Levao and the entire Bloomfield community for their commitment to STEM education.” 

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

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 and to expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and postsecondary education.

Bloomfield College’s Division of Natural Science and Mathematics 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.