As part of the Fiscal Year 2022 federal budget and among a list of New Jersey community projects supported by U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, Stockton University will receive $500,000 from the federal government to support its coastal resiliency and management programs.
The Coastal Resiliency Equipment, Education and Outreach funds will also provide STEM educational and career opportunities for middle- and high-school students in South Jersey.
“These projects will … make the critical investments so that New Jersey continues to be one of the greatest places to live and work,” Menendez (D-N.J.) said in a news release announcing the grants.
The grant will be administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Stockton will use the funds for several projects:
- Purchase scientific instruments for remote sensing of southern New Jersey’s coastal environment and mapping of the coastal islands and provide high-level student training for Stockton’s Master of Science in coastal zone management program;
- Provide STEM field experiences for middle- and high-school students in Atlantic City and surrounding underserved communities, offering a vital introduction to employment and higher education opportunities regarding the U.S.’ growing blue economy;
- Develop a pipeline to underserved K-12 youth to higher education and STEM careers by supporting training for blue economy professions linked to offshore wind development, climate change adaptation and ocean sustainability for tourism, fisheries, recreation, commerce and environmental protection; and
- Support training and education in coastal resilience that will inform municipal planning and community outreach along New Jersey’s coasts that are threatened by global climate change and rising sea levels.
“Coastal zone management, tourism and the developing blue economy are important issues in New Jersey,” said Peter Straub, dean of Stockton’s School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “We are losing our coast. These funds will help Stockton do critical research, plus educate and train residents for careers in the industry.”
“This grant helps ensure we are providing students and the public with state-of-the-art equipment and information to do this important work,” Stockton Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Leamor Kahanov said.
