New Facility, Programs for CCC Students in High-Demand STEM Majors

Thanks to funding recently provided by American Water, Camden County College’s 2,500 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors have a newly renovated home base for academic and career-preparation activities.

CCC’s American Water STEM Center is located in Room 220 of the Danch Computer Integrated Manufacturing Center on the Blackwood Campus. The American Water STEM Center is providing a place where students will do more than learn. It will serve as a location for them to gather to work on projects, participate in academic and career workshops, attend presentations and meet with professionals in their fields of study.

American Water is the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving an estimated 14 million consumers. The company funded $28,150 worth of renovations at Camden County College and is contributing additional funding annually in support of the Center’s activities. The partnership between the College and American Water also is providing mentors, tutors, guest lecturers and other volunteers to work with STEM students and staff in a variety of enrichment and support services. In addition, the American Water STEM Center will host a week-long summer STEM program that will provide a range of preparatory experiences for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who have expressed an interest in STEM studies and careers.

According to Division of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Dean Susan Choi, a primary purpose of this partnership is to enhance the retention, persistence and graduation rates of those CCC students who declare STEM majors. Choi said that Camden County College looks forward to continuing and expanding its partnership with American Water in the years to come.