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The NEXTGEN project is building Bergen’s capacity to prepare students for future United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and regional workforce needs within diverse industries supporting food, agriculture, natural resources, human sciences (FANH), and career clusters. NEXTGEN, in partnership with and support from USDA, recognizes the changing skill demands of local agriculture and food industries, the effect of the pandemic on farming practices, and the need to offer consumers and employers food source and supply options promoting and supporting sustainable farming in northern New Jersey.
The project supports student scholarship, student mentorships (peer, faculty and employer), experiential learning, outreach and engagement activities driven by several initiatives. These initiatives include:
- Local Food Products and Processing (FPP) Systems supporting sustainable Farm to Table food production and safety practices
- Environmental Service Systems (ESS) supporting instruments and technology in waste management and sustainable farming
- Plant Systems (PS) developing learning labs for hydroponics and creating community farming opportunities recognizing cultural practices
- Agri-Business systems (ABS) supporting the study of business principles, including management, marketing and finance, and their application to enterprises engaged in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Through increased community awareness of sustainable farming practices, the project also hopes to address food insecurities by supporting opportunities for residents to source their own grown food products and for the College to provide nutritious, student campus grown, harvested and prepared options for its food pantry to help address the hunger needs of peers.
For more information on the NEXTGEN project as a high school senior, student enrolled at Bergen, or a local agri-business interested in partnering to provide work experience, internships or employment opportunities for NEXTGEN participants, please contact Barbara Brown-Abolafia by email at [email protected].