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The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) has announced the selection of 44 college freshman and sophomores to participate in the 2023 NIIMBL eXperience. It is the largest cohort to date since the program launched in 2019. Fourteen students will participate in the program at Raritan Valley Community College, one of three sites selected nationwide.

The 2023 NIIMBL eXperience at RVCC, which is being held Saturday, June 10, through Friday, June 16, will offer college students the opportunity to explore careers in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The program at RVCC will be held at the College’s Branchburg campus, and transportation will be provided for multiple off-campus experiences.

“Raritan Valley Community College is excited to be selected as a cohort for this summer’s NIIMBL eXperience, which will offer us the opportunity to introduce a group of college students to various aspects of the life science industry,” said Jacki Belin, RVCC Vice President for Strategic Partnerships & Workforce Innovation.

Students were selected from 34 educational institutions across the United States to attend one of three cohorts, which also include Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) in New York and Kansas Bioscience Association (BioKansas) in the Kansas/Missouri Region. The program’s goal is to ultimately increase the diversity of the school-to-industry pipeline and to build a workforce that supports and leads in innovation.  

Through a series of industry tours, networking events, and one-on-one coaching sessions, NIIMBL eXperience participants will foster a professional mind-set, build confidence in understanding how to navigate corporate culture, and enhance clarity and confidence in defining their career and educational goals.

RVCC was awarded a $75,000 grant from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to create the weeklong program, which is designed to introduce students to career options in the biomanufacturing or the life sciences; build self-confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; and provide networking opportunities with industry professionals.

In addition, Dr. Windy Paz-Amor, RVCC’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), will develop and conduct workshops designed to engage and enlighten students about DEI issues.

There is no cost to participate in the program, and room and board are being provided. Participants will be housed at a nearby hotel and also will be awarded a $500 stipend.

The NIIMBL eXperience program provides students from diverse backgrounds access to corporate exposure, professional branding, and personal development, empowering them to feel confident and motivated to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. To create a future pipeline of skilled biomanufacturing technicians, increased access and support is required to recruit, motivate, and educate under-represented populations.

For additional information about the NIIMBL Summer eXperience program at RVCC, visit www.raritanval.edu/niimblexperience or contact Tamara Jones at tamara.jones@raritanval.edu or Jacki Belin at jacki.belin@raritanval.edu.

This project was developed with an award from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) and financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (70NANB21H086).

To learn more about the eXperience program and get to know the 2023 NIIMBL eXperience cohort, visit NIIMBL.org.

About NIIMBL

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is a public-private partnership whose mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry. NIIMBL is part of Manufacturing USA®, a diverse network of federally-sponsored manufacturing innovation institutes, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce with significant additional support from its members.

About RVCC

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 www.raritanval.edu.



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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2023

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #139