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Raritan Valley Community College has received a $760,812 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a new program to help train workers for careers in Commercial Energy Management.

The three-year Commercial Energy Management Technology (CEM-Tech) project is designed to address a severe nationwide shortage of trained building technicians and educational programs in the Commercial Energy Management area, specifically in the fields of Building Automation, Commercial Energy Auditing, Building Commissioning, and Retro-Commissioning. 

“The NSF grant recognizes RVCC’s ongoing commitment to providing students and current workers with the skills they need for long-term economic success through employment. As many HVAC technicians in commercial and industrial fields are beginning to reach retirement age, and the shortage of skilled workers continues, the grant will enable the College to partner collaboratively with local businesses to train workers for in-demand positions in highly desirable fields,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.

As part of the grant, the College will develop a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Commercial Energy Management Technology. The program will include an industry-aligned curriculum and practical experience, as well as general education requirements. The goal is to prepare students and current workers for careers in Sustainable Building Operations.

“The work that will be accomplished through the grant is very much aligned with Raritan Valley Community College’s commitment to sustainability. This spring RVCC was one of only 11 colleges and universities in the nation to be honored with the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Postsecondary Sustainability Award for its leadership in sustainable education, programs, practices, and facilities,” Dr. McDonough continued.

In developing the degree in Commercial Energy Management Technology, the College will work with industry experts in creating the program’s curriculum. The goal will be to train skilled professionals whose expertise will result in more efficient operation of various building systems, thereby reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The project also will include developing a series of professional development seminars for facilities managers and incumbent workers. In addition, pathways for transfer to further educational opportunities and employment will be created for high school students, current workers and managers, with special focus on developing strategies to reach minorities and under-represented populations. 

RVCC currently offers an Associate of Applied Science and a Certificate in Environmental Control Technology (HVAC). For additional information about the grant or RVCC’s HVAC programs, contact Paul Flor, 908-526-1200, ext. 8577 or 8617, or paul.flor@raritanval.edu.

Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. Serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for close to 50 years, RVCC is an educational and cultural center that is nationally recognized for its innovative programming, service to the community and environmental leadership. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, professional development and personal enrichment courses. The College also has a performing arts center and planetarium.

RVCC is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2016
Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383
PR #207