The College of New Jersey celebrates new STEM complex

EWING, N.J. (WPVI) -- The College of New Jersey is celebrating its new STEM complex focusing on science, technology, engineering and math.

The $76 million facility offers the latest in the laboratory and design space to train the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Steven Schreiner, Engineering School Dean said, "So the complex designs that the students make can be realized, they can be validated all in this one space."

Student Warren Venema said, "We will actually take our students and train them inside an industry machine shop so that they are prepared to go out and do mechanical engineering."

The STEM complex is set up to encourage collaboration.

Barbara Gitenstein, TCNJ President said, "And because of the size and the culture of the institution we can work across schools and across disciplines in a way that some of the other major research institutions cannot."

The College of New Jersey is already considered one of the top schools in the country for training and graduating chemistry, physics and engineering students. This brings the idea of hands-on to a whole new level.

Jeff Osborn, the science school dean said, "They're not just sitting through lectures. They're in these laboratories creating new knowledge."

Student Sarah Fontana said, "It's like a brand new building with lots of new equipment. So I feel like I'm getting a state of the art technology in my education. I'm going to be really prepared for the real world."

The state contributed $40 million in money earmarked for technology projects. Governor Christie says jobs in STEM occupations are expected to grow 11% by 2025.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said, "If we put our children and our young people in the position to have the skills they need, their gonna be able to get a great paying job."

The hope is TCNJ's hi-tech facility will also help stop the so called "brain drain" so students won't go out of state to get top-notch technology training.

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