(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Spaces are still available for the 2023 NIIMBL eXperience at Raritan Valley Community College program, which will offer African-American/Black, Latinx, and Native American college students the opportunity to explore careers in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

The summer immersion program will be held Saturday, June 10, through Friday, June 16, at RVCC’s Branchburg campus. Transportation will be provided for multiple off-campus experiences.

Through a series of industry tours, networking events, and one-on-one coaching sessions, students will foster a professional mind-set, build confidence in understanding how to navigate corporate culture, and enhance clarity and confidence in defining their career and educational goals.

There is no cost to participate in the program, and room and board are provided. Current college freshmen and sophomores attending two-year or four-year institutions and majoring in STEM subjects are invited to apply. Participants will be housed at a nearby hotel.  Accepted participants will also be awarded a $500 stipend.

RVCC was awarded a $75,000 grant from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to create the weeklong program, which is designed to introduce students to career options in the biomanufacturing or the life sciences; build self-confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; and provide networking opportunities with industry professionals.

In addition, Windy Paz-Amor, RVCC’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), will conduct workshops designed to engage and enlighten students about DEI issues.

The NIIMBL eXperience program provides students from diverse backgrounds access to corporate exposure, professional branding, and personal development, empowering them to feel confident and motivated to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. To create a future pipeline of skilled biomanufacturing technicians, increased access and support is required to recruit, motivate, and educate under-represented populations.

RVCC joins Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) in New York and BioKansas in the Kansas/Missouri Region as one of only three locations in the country to be funded for the NIMBL eXperience.

The deadline for registration is January 20, at 5:00pm. Those interesting in applying for the program should visit this page.

For additional information about the NIIMBL Summer eXperience program at RVCC, including eligibility criteria, visit www.raritanval.edu/niimblexperience or contact Tamara Jones at [email protected] or Jacki Belin at [email protected].

This project was developed with an award from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) and financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (70NANB21H086).

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey in 2022, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to  a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey.