Raritan Valley Community College is the recipient of a $100,000 Signature Grant from The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) for 2022. The generous gift, in the Education funding priority area, is the Foundation’s first Signature Grant awardee in Somerset County and one of three statewide.

RVCC was selected for the work of “The Achievement Center” (TAC)—a unique collaboration between the College and the Arc of Somerset County. The Center provides a certificate-based, post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that they can continue academic study, experience college life, and gain important skills for entering the workforce.

“The collaboration between Raritan Valley Community College and the Arc of Somerset County is inspiring,” said Samantha Plotino, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “And their collective impact is so evident in the students whose lives are enriched through the work of The Achievement Center.”

The multi-year award will support the expansion of the courses offered at TAC, specifically in the STEM disciplines, and allow the TAC model to be amplified more broadly across the state.

“We applaud both the vision and the generosity of The Provident Bank Foundation,” said RVCC President Michael McDonough. “Their commitment to the students served by The Achievement Center at RVCC is unprecedented.”

“We’re honored by the endorsement by The Provident Bank Foundation and excited by the impact this support will enable,” said Christopher Corvino, Executive Director, The Arc of Somerset County. “The growth of our program is the best evidence of our value to the communities we serve.”

About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation, established by Provident Bank, aims continuously to search and support organizations focusing on the enhancement of community enrichment, education and health, youth, and families. The Foundation serves this purpose by supporting not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in proud communities served by the Bank. Dedicated since 2003, the Foundation has granted more than $30 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward strengthening our better and brighter communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.

About RVCC

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, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.