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Science Technology
on December 16, 2022
The Oradale office of Power Engineers and the company’s charitable foundation have awarded a $15,000 grant to Bergen Community College to support student diversity initiatives in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. The grant will create a “Power Scholars” program at the college that will enable STEM students to complete certification in diversity, equity and inclusion best practices. Bergen represents a “majority minority” institution, with 42% of students self-identifying as Hispanic or Latino, and is committed to initiatives that contribute to its growing diversity.
“By providing students with the right tools and training, we will ensure that these future leaders can create and foster an equitable and inclusive working environment,” said Luis de Abreu, Director of Bergen STEM. “We are excited to see them pursue their training throughout their work and team dynamics and look forward to replicating this model with other partner organizations willing to invest in the college’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.”
Under Bergen President Eric M. Friedman, PhD, the college has sought to increase inclusivity, including creating the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dean of Mathematics, Science and Technology Emily Wandalowski, Ed.D. said the grant will contribute to these efforts and add even greater depth to the college’s nationally recognized STEM program.
“As a lead institution for the Research and Development Center for Workforce Innovation under NJ Pathways Initiatives, Bergen plays an integral role in creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable STEM ecosystem,” she said. “By engaging with industry partners and establishing programs such as Power Scholars, the STEM Division continues to advance its role in educating the diverse and knowledgeable workforce of tomorrow.”
Funded by the Power Foundation, the non-profit arm of global engineering and environmental firm Power Engineers, the company’s Oradale office recommended Bergen for the award. Power Foundation Board Chair John Koum said the program will help make the industry more inclusive.
“It’s not just helping these students get certification,” he said. “This program will empower these students to use the skills they learn to impact so many more people in STEM industries.”
The recruitment process for the first round of Power Scholars began this month and the training will take place during the spring semester of the college.
More than 2,000 students enroll in Bergen’s STEM offerings each year. Among its resources, the Bergen Community College features the nation’s only STEM Student Research Center of its kind. The facility has large “showcase” windows that enable observation from outside the center, a drone/robotics wing, a makerspace and mini-course classroom. Past student-led projects have included converting a softball field house into a workshop, launching a high-altitude balloon, converting gas combustion trucks and motorcycles into electric vehicles, and conducting experimental tests with wind turbines and solar panels.
Power Engineers, an engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in integrated solutions for clients in the power distribution, power generation, food and beverage, government, renewable and storage, campus energy, and oil and gas industries, has 50 offices and more than 3,500 There are more employees. in North America.
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