U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $486,662 grant to Passaic County Community College (PCCC) to support the expansion of educational opportunities for students of Hispanic descent.

“In no uncertain terms, the success of Latino students helps make our community – and our country – great. It is imperative that they have the same access to education as their peers,” said Rep. Pascrell, a former school teacher. “This generous federal investment in Passaic County’s vibrant Latino community is a game-changer for those seeking to further their education and fully participate in our economy. This award further proves that PCCC is a staple of our community, providing a critical platform for students of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds for decades. I remain committed to bringing home every federal dollar available for students of our area and throughout New Jersey.”

"We need to be working to ensure all our different communities can access the educational opportunities that will help them succeed. This incredible investment in Passaic County is a win for our children, our families, and for our community’s return on investment from the federal government,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “I'm proud that by working with local officials, we've shifted these DOE resources away from Moocher States to Jersey. The Fifth District has already clawed back to New Jersey more than $392 per household – a 57% increase over recent years. The more we can apply for and win these investments, the more our return will increase, helping cut property taxes, making living in New Jersey more affordable for families and businesses.”

“New Jersey has the best schools in the country, and produces incredible students. We need to ensure that all types of educational opportunities are available to our diverse student body,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Our community colleges are key to that effort and to preparing all of our students to join the workforce in North Jersey. This federal grant funding will help PCCC invest in Hispanic students in Passaic County, expand social mobility, and create new opportunities that did not exist before for those students.” 

“The United States Department of Education Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions (Title V) Grant will provide extraordinary opportunities for our students to become teachers through the development of a “Pathways to Teaching” program,” said Steven M. Rose, Ed.D., President, Passaic County Community College. “Currently too few Hispanics are entering teaching and becoming much needed role models for urban youth.  This program will provide students with intensive academic advising and support to create pathways towards teacher certification and employment in public elementary and secondary schools. The College thanks Congressman Pascrell for his support in bringing this essential program to our College.”

Rep. Pascrell is a consistent advocate in Washington on behalf New Jersey’s students and colleges. He helped secure a similar award for Passaic County’s students last year and helped win a $300,000 grant to PCCC to prevent sexual violence on campus last September. Pascrell also announced in 2016 $2 million in federal education grants to Bergen County Community College and PCCC to promote programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.