MORRIS COUNTY — The County College of Morris (CCM) was awarded a $650,000 Advanced Technology Education (ATE) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant, distributed over three years, will support the college’s expansion of its nationally recognized Data Science program and aid in the establishment of a new, cutting-edge Data Science Institute. This initiative aligns with the college’s commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and meeting the evolving needs of the community and industry.
Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM, thanked NSF for the grant and emphasized its significance in advancing the college’s mission. “Not only will this grant enable us to expand Data Science at CCM,” said Iacono, “but also help create the Data Science Institute and strive to meet our goals from the training of faculty with industry certification to creating a seamless career pathway in data science for students of all ages.”
Key Benefits
CCM allows students to gain an early interest in the data science field. One prominent feature of this opportunity is a fast-track approach toward employment. The college’s Center for Workforce Development offers cutting-edge Business Analytics, Tableau, R-Programming courses, and more to accelerate one’s career. Students can enroll at CCM to earn the 16-credit certificate of achievement in data analytics in less than one year. Then, students can further their studies at CCM towards an AS in computer science with a concentration in data science.
The ATE grant will support teachers in ensuring they attain industry-recognized certifications. The grant also works towards equipping teachers with the latest tools and knowledge in data science to deliver excellent instruction. Students may gain training and specialized workshops on data manipulation, statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and more on campus and in virtual format. Guest lecturers, industry visits, and networking events will showcase real-world data science applications and help funnel students to industry.
Recent Events
Most recently, the college’s Data Science program has participated in the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) Pathways Initiative, which includes the New Jersey Big Data Alliance (NJBDA)—Data Science Articulation Project. This project establishes seamless transfer pathways from several two-year to four-year institutions across New Jersey, including CCM.
Iacono says, “CCM will continue to be a leader in education and data science plus play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and technological advancement in the region.”
“This grant represents a significant milestone for the college,” said CCM Professor of Mathematics Kelly Fitzpatrick. “We are excited to embark on this journey of expansion and innovation, and we are confident that the resources provided by this grant will empower our faculty and students, including underrepresented groups and Women in STEM, to excel in the dynamic field of data science.”
The County College of Morris’s success in Data Science has been highlighted and publicized nationally.
- The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) featured this project on the March 23 episode of Minding Your Business, where Fitzpatrick spoke about its success.
- NSF featured the college’s courses, transfer agreements, and pathways in Data Science in its annual publication, ATE Impacts, on page 88.
