Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4), a graduate of The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State College, class of 1975), announced today that the college has won a two-year federal education grant worth nearly $170,000 to fund a new international business program. 

    The grant, from the U.S. Department of Education, will help fund the New Jersey Global Business Initiative, a joint effort by TCNJ, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission.  The college will receive $81,000 for the project the first year and $89,000 the second year, according to the Department of Education.  

     “I’m grateful that the U.S. Department of Education has realized how important this project is to reinvigorating our state’s economy and to training today’s students for the international business world that awaits them,” said Smith, Vice Chairman of the House International Relations Committee.  

    Joan Verplanck, President of the State Chamber, brought the issue to Smith’s attention and in January, he wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige supporting the project.  He credited Verplanck, the Chamber, and The College of New Jersey with establishing a joint venture that will help businesses expand export opportunities and create and retain quality jobs to benefit all New Jerseyans.  

    “This partnership will combine a wealth of resources from the private and public sectors and academia to help businesses in New Jersey gain better access to foreign markets.  The initiative will use its resources to provide important workshops, seminars, lectures, and forums; enabling participants to expand and enhance their export activities,” Smith said.  

    “While the merits of the Global Business Initiative speak for themselves, I am particularly pleased to have worked on behalf of a project that will be based at my alma,” Smith added.  “It is my hope that the partnership will focus on growing our business opportunities and promoting the American ideals of free enterprise and human and worker rights.”