HIGHER EDUCATION
Continued From Page 36 Executive Director David J . Socolow . “ We are delighted to work with Governor Murphy , many of New Jersey ’ s prominent business leaders and our partner state agencies to help New Jerseyans recover and thrive .”
Eligible recipients of Pay It Forward Loans will include New Jersey residents who are receiving public assistance , people who have been unemployed long-term , individuals who were formerly incarcerated , workers who have been temporarily or permanently laid off because of the COVID‐19 pandemic , and self-employed individuals who became unemployed or underemployed as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic .
Pay It Forward Loans will only be used for state-approved training programs that undergo a rigorous screening process and demonstrate a strong track record of successfully preparing students for in-demand career opportunities . The review and selection of high-quality training providers will build on the state ’ s participation as an inaugural grantee of the Data for the American Dream initiative , led by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development , which is developing an interactive web site containing smart disclosure tools designed to help career seekers make informed decisions about training .
The Pay It Forward Program builds on Governor Murphy ’ s commitment to a stronger , fairer economy and his administration ’ s groundbreaking investments to make postsecondary education and training more affordable and accessible . These efforts include the Community College Opportunity Grant ( CCOG ) program , which allows qualified students to attend any
New Jersey community college without tuition or educational fees , as well as the Governor ’ s proposed $ 50 million budget allocation for the Garden State Guarantee ( GSG ) initiative to offer up to two years of free tuition at New Jersey ’ s four-year public colleges and universities .
The Pay It Forward Program will focus on helping students enrolled in short-term training programs that offer high-quality , industry-recognized credentials and certificates in high-demand fields .
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Union County College ’ s Board of Trustees Chair Honored by ACCT
Union County College Board of Trustees Chair Victor M . Richel will receive the Association of Community College Trustees ( ACCT ) 2021 Northeast Regional Award for Trustee Leadership . Richel will formally accept the award this month at the Regional Awards Presentation during the 52nd Annual ACCT Leadership Congress in San Diego .
Richel is a community leader , philanthropist and businessman . He was a Vice President for Elizabethtown Gas and it was under his leadership that the company gifted its building in Elizabeth to Union County College . He has been a member of the Union County College Board of Trustees for almost 40 years and has served as chair for almost 30 years . Richel also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trinitas Health and Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth .
In 2018 , Richel received the New Jersey Hospital Association Hospital and Healthcare System Trustee of the Year award for his service to Trinitas Regional Medical Center . In 2017 , he was recognized by the YWCA of Union County for Advancing Education & Economic
Empowerment for Girls and Women . In 2016 , he was honored by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges with the Ronald D . Winthers Community College Trustee Leadership Award . Each year , this award is bestowed upon a single New Jersey community college trustee who exemplifies visionary trustee leadership at the local , state and national levels .
It is a testament to Richel ’ s leadership and commitment to improving outcomes , that Union County College was named one of the top 150 community colleges in 2021 by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program , the nation ’ s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America ’ s community colleges . Only the top 15 percent of community colleges nationwide are recognized .
Richel was born in Elizabeth and resides in Berkeley Heights with his wife Andrea . In addition to his many civic and business accolades , he is a beloved father and grandfather .
“ We are honored and thrilled by ACCT ’ s recognition of our devoted Board Chair Mr . Richel . He has given many years of dedicated
Victor M . Richel
service to our board . We are indebted to him for the invaluable and steadfast leadership he has provided to the college . He loves our students , our community and our college ,” says Union President Dr . Margaret M . McMenamin .
The ACCT represents more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern more than 1,100 community colleges throughout the United States . The ACCT annually recognizes trustees and other community college leaders in each of its five regions for their contributions .
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