TRENTON, N.J. – The PSEG Foundation recently awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to expand programs for active duty service members and veterans and advance the development of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses at Thomas Edison State University.
The funding will support substantial improvements to the university’s existing Military and Veteran Portal (MVP) and Career Enhancement Initiative. The university plans to expand career advising and job placement resources offered through the MVP that meet the needs of veterans and service members. In addition, the grant will support the development of simulations and virtual laboratories in online STEM courses offered by the university.
“This support from the PSEG Foundation will play a critical role in the development of innovative programs designed for our active-duty service members and veterans to promote the achievement of their personal aspirations and career goals,” said John Thurber, vice president for public affairs at the university. “Funding of these initiatives will allow the institution to foster a pathway of success for our students and continue to prepare a strong pipeline of STEM-educated adults for today’s workforce.”
Support for the Career Enhancement Initiative will bring improved functionality to the MVP by focusing on degree completion, as well as connecting users with career advisement and specific job opportunities based on their interests and training. Since its launch in 2014, the portal has enabled more than 5,000 service members and veterans to understand how their military training can be transferred and applied as credit to a college degree, view potential degree programs aligned with their training, and estimate the cost of their education all before they apply for admission.
The university’s implementation of STEM/Nuclear Energy Engineering laboratory simulation technology in online courses will assist in meeting the needs of adult students, increasing student retention and degree achievement, while expanding the academic rigor of the entire STEM curriculum.
“Our country’s veterans and active military professionals are exceptional leaders and trained professionals that add tremendous value to our workforce,” said Barb Short, PSEG chief diversity officer and senior director corporate citizenship and culture. “As a company of colleagues dedicated to service and operational excellence, we’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Thomas Edison State University and support the university’s career initiatives dedicated to service members and veterans.”
Check out PSEG's Energize! blog post, "Offering veterans pathway to better career," to watch a short video and learn more about how the longstanding partnership between PSEG and Thomas Edison State University has proved to be life changing for U.S. veterans.
Toni M. Terry, BA