PATERSON - In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) is proud to announce that Passaic County Community College (PCCC) has been awarded federal grant in the amount of $597,035 to provide low income Hispanic residents and businesses in Paterson with the technology skills needed to succeed in today’s information-based economy.  PCCC is one of only ten schools nationwide to receive a grant from this competitive program.   

“This grant award will extend opportunities to low-income Hispanic communities in Paterson, and give them a boost to succeed in today’s information based economy,” stated Pascrell.  “I commend PCCC for developing a strong partnership with the surrounding community here in Paterson and making a commitment that will directly benefit our local economy, our students, and our neighborhoods.”     

The grant comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Hispanic Serving Institution’s Assisting Communities (HSIAC) program to support PCCC’s program called, “New Skills for a Digital Economy.” The program will conduct three main activities.

• Business/Technology Training for Hispanic Businesses and Entrepreneurs:  This Activity will involve 60 local Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs in a series of 12 monthly seminars on business and technology issues.

• After School Multimedia Training Program for Hispanic Children:  The after school program will involve children ages 11-13 in multimedia technology skills training in areas such as Digital Graphic and Animation Design, Interactive Web Design, and Digital Video Authoring.

• ESL and Technology Skills Training Program:  As part of this Activity, the College will train PCCC students as “Technology Tutors” and they will be assigned to assist community-based ESL instructors in the classroom, helping to integrate technology into the ESL learning environment.  This Activity will directly benefit nine community-based ESL instructors and nearly 400 adult ESL learners.

“This grant is a fantastic opportunity for PCCC to embrace the community’s commitment, and our students’ skills to jumpstart the digital economy in Paterson,” stated PCCC President, Dr. Steven Rose.  “I thank Congressman Pascrell for all the work he does in Washington to generate funding and support community colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions.”

The College will join a variety of partners in developing this project.  Partners include the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Paterson Police Athletic League, the Paterson YMCA, the Garrett Morgan Academy, ASPIRA, the Father English Center, St. Paul’s CDC, and the Greater Paterson Opportunities Industrialization Center.

Passaic County Community College is a Hispanic Serving Institution.  To be considered a Hispanic-Serving Institution, the Hispanic enrollment at a college or university must be at least 25 percent of the total student enrollment.

Pascrell, a recognized leader in supporting community college education, is the author of H.R 577, legislation that encourages collaboration between businesses and local community colleges by providing greater incentives for training students in advanced skills for the new economy.

“I will continue to work towards advancing the important educational opportunity that community colleges represent.  This collaboration is just one example of the type of partnership that I am committed to building between community colleges and the local economy.” concluded Pascrell.

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