Bloomfield College Gets Federal Grant For Low-Income Black Students

Bloomfield College will soon be the recipient of a hefty federal grant to promote the postsecondary success of African-American and other high-need STEM students.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Program awarded the university $600,000 from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016.

Depending on Congressional appropriations, the grant will total $3 million over five years, from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2020, with annual funding of $600,000, a release stated.

According to a release, 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; to expand higher education opportunities for eligible students by encouraging college preparation and student persistence in secondary school and postsecondary education; and to strengthen the financial ability of the institution to serve the academic needs of these students.

“STEM is essential to the economic future of our nation, which is why it is so important to increase access to education in innovative fields for our students,” said U.S. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10). “This federal funding will better enable Bloomfield College to improve college readiness and provide a high-quality education to our future STEM leaders.”

“The underrepresentation of African-American and high-need students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions has a detrimental impact on their long-term earning potential and on the financial status of their communities,” Tresmaine Grimes, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Bloomfield College stated.

“The new PBI grant will allow Bloomfield College to expand services that help improve the academic success, retention and graduation rates of students who are interested in pursuing STEM careers. Additionally, the funds will allow the college to broaden opportunities for local middle and high school students to increase their college readiness skills and exposure to STEM majors and careers.”