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Raritan Valley Community College students recently participated in a Scholarship Contest that helped bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business challenges.

Launched through the collaboration of ABCO Systems of Carlstadt, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and Capacity LLC of North Brunswick, the Scholarship Contest empowered students by providing them with the chance to solve industry-specific challenges and gain valuable experience in material handling and logistics.

The contest, now in its second year, has become a key initiative in fostering innovation, education, and career development for RVCC students. Faculty members in the College’s Business & Public Service department are a vital part of the program’s success, as they mentor and assist the Scholarship Contest participants throughout the process.

The five finalists—Roland Hofmann (Bridgewater), Aaron Czajkowski (Bridgewater), Robert Lamptey (Piscataway), Debra Burnejko (Clinton), and Thais Barros (Califon)—demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking, and perseverance throughout the competition. Their efforts highlighted the skills needed to succeed in a competitive and dynamic industry. Roland Hofmann, the first-place winner, received a $3,500 scholarship, while second-place winner Aaron Czajkowski won a $1,000 prize. The awards were presented at a ceremony held on January 23.

The true value of the Scholarship Contest went beyond the prizes, however. It was about the opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as the skills and confidence the participants gained. But for the students, the lessons and experiences were far more rewarding than the monetary awards.

“This competition has truly helped me with my professional growth, giving me the confidence to approach real-world business challenges and find effective solutions. The experience was invaluable and showed me what I can accomplish when I push myself,” said finalist Thais Barros.

Finalist Aaron Czajkowski, the second-place winner, expressed how the contest helped him bridge his studies with real-world application: “Hearing about how the competition connected the topics taught in business courses at RVCC with real-world practices sounded like a fun and exciting experience. I was looking for something to do outside of my work, and what better way to link the concepts I was learning than to see them in action for myself?”

ABCO Systems, known for its solutions in warehouse optimization, teamed up with CSCMP, a global organization connecting supply chain professionals, to partner with Capacity LLC, a leader in fulfillment and logistics operations. Through this collaboration, students were able to tackle real business challenges, develop practical skills, and gain invaluable industry insights.

As part of the contest, students visited ABCO Systems and Capacity LLC this past fall to gain hands-on experience and an insider's view of industry practices. These visits offered an invaluable chance to interact with professionals, tour cutting-edge facilities, and develop solutions for improving daily business operations. As Keith Spero, RVCC Adjunct Assistant Professor, Business & Public Service, explained, “This competition offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the business world, apply what they’ve learned, and grow in ways that textbooks simply can’t provide.”

In addition, the RVCC contest participants were awarded service learning credit through the Pray Family Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement at the College.

Last year’s contest winner Maíra Mendonça returned to help mentor the new students. After her experience in the competition, Mendonça interned at ABCO Systems, which led to a full-time position. “Participating in the scholarship [contest] gave me the confidence to improve my communication skills, gain industry knowledge, and face real business challenges. It was a turning point that opened doors to opportunities I never imagined,” Mendonça said.

For many students, the contest was a transformative opportunity that offered both personal and professional growth. “This experience gave me a glimpse into the real business world before many of my peers had the chance. It taught me to approach challenges with confidence and gave me tools to solve problems effectively,” said finalist Debra Burnejko.

The Scholarship Contest serves as a prime example of how businesses and academic institutions can collaborate to empower students, foster innovation, and create lasting impact.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2025

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

PR #58