Somerset County Provides $3M Grant to RVCC to Create “Best-In-Class” Advanced Manufacturing Programs

Funding Will Expand Workforce Training Center, Create State’s First Community College Clean Room, and Prepare Students for Rapidly Evolving Technology Industry Jobs

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Board of Commissioners allocated $3 million in American Rescue Plan funding to Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) to expand workforce development training to help students secure next-generation technological employment. The allocation will help RVCC continue its leadership in advanced manufacturing and workforce innovation in the Garden State and support the County’s vibrant high-tech industries.

“Somerset County and RVCC are committed to ensuring that every resident has the educational and training opportunities to get the good jobs of the future, and that employers know that they will find the best workforce in the world right here in Somerset County,” said Deputy Director Singleterry. “This grant is a continuation of our partnership with RVCC engaging leading high-tech employers to identify their visions for the future and working to ensure Somerset County is poised to make those visions a reality.”

RVCC has spent the past five years building relationships and partnerships with leading employers to identify current and future workforce requirements and developed certification and degree programs to meet many of these needs. The success of this program has made the need for expansion and future vision abundantly clear, and the college approached Somerset County with a proposal for expanding the Workforce Training Center (WTC) which led to this funding.

“Somerset County’s support for RVCC’s students and the Workforce Training Center is extraordinary, and we are excited to align these efforts with the county’s economic development vision,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough at the Somerset County Board of Commissioners meeting. “Your generosity will allow us to build a best-in-class center for biomanufacturing right here at RVCC to support the growing need for aseptic manufacturing vital to vaccine, medicine, and medical device development.”

Since its launch in 2021, Somerset County’s Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development has focused on growing local life sciences manufacturing. Over the last year alone, the industry has announced expansion plans for more than 700,000 square feet to support thousands of jobs. Many of these new positions will require the specific training RVCC’s innovative programs will provide, specifically workers trained in cleanroom environments to facilitate the tremendous growth potential of cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

The $3 million allocation will expand the WTC from 44,000 to 66,000 square feet and include the state’s first community college clean room. The WTC will also add classrooms, build electric vehicle automotive and mechatronics spaces, and double advanced manufacturing programs supporting area high school students. The additional space will enable RVCC to expand and develop degrees and credentials for students at all levels, including high school students, traditional and non-traditional college age students, under- and unemployed adults, career changers, and underrepresented communities.

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed by President Joe Biden in 2021 and allocates funding to local governments to aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Somerset County received approximately $64 million in ARP funds and has provided support for infrastructure projects such as $7.7 million for sewer and water upgrades, underserved communities through $2.8 million for local non-profits, economic development such as the $3 million for this RVCC workforce training expansion, and more.

“Somerset County’s goal is to partner with RVCC to provide our residents with the training and skills to secure good-paying jobs in growing industries while helping current employers confidently develop next-generation services and manufacturing,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Doug Singleterry. “This virtuous circle will support a growing economic environment and encourage even more businesses and highly skilled workers to call Somerset County home.”

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Intelligent.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to  a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit http://www.raritanval.edu/.

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