By Jenna Portnoy and Kelly Heyboer/The Star-Ledger
MOUNT LAUREL — Women and minorities who want to work in construction-related fields will be eligible for $2,000 in tuition assistance at New Jersey’s county colleges under a new scholarship program launched today.
Gov. Chris Christie unveiled the Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women and Minorities program at an event on the campus green at Burlington County Community College in Mount Laurel. The scholarships — known as NJ-GIVS — will allow students to enroll in non-degree certificate programs at the state’s 19 county colleges.
"Opportunities for good-paying jobs all begin with access to high quality education and training, whether it’s colleges and universities, vocational or technical schools or other kinds of specialized training that prepares students for a successful future," Christie said.
The scholarships represent the first time state financial aid is being offered to New Jersey students in certificate programs that do not lead to a degree. Women and minorities are being targeted for the money because they are historically underrepresented in the construction industry, state officials said.
NJ-GIVS will be funded with money the New Jersey’s Schools Development Authority must set aside from all of its school district construction contracts.
Marc Larkins, head of the Schools Development Authority, said the new scholarships will help bring more women and minorities into construction trades.
"At times we track less than 1 percent female participation in our construction projects," Larkins said.
The scholarships will be administered by the state’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, which oversees New Jersey’s financial aid programs. There will be $500,000 in NJ-GIV funds available annually, state officials said. Eligible students will be awarded scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis. The scholarships can be renewed for a second year.
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