Somerset Times

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited Warren Community College in Warren County, New Jersey, to discuss the need for funding aimed at enhancing the Agricultural Education and Training Center's facilities. The visit took place ahead of the FY25 appropriations discussion.

During his visit, Congressman Kean met with Dr. William Austin, President of Warren Community College, as well as students, faculty, and deans. The congressman has requested $978,625 for improvements to the college's existing facilities. These funds would be used to train students in vocational agriculture and culinary studies.

"Hands-on experience bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application, providing opportunities that can be transformed into valuable real-world skills," said Congressman Kean. "This funding would provide students with the necessary resources and training in vocational agriculture and culinary studies, helping to foster skill development and workforce readiness in these fields."

Dr. William Austin expressed gratitude for Congressman Kean's visit: "We are honored to welcome Congressman Kean to our Robotics research facility, where we reviewed our past work in precision agriculture and discussed our plans to automate food processing." He further added that their collaboration aims to develop a cutting-edge food science innovation center for Northwest New Jersey.

In this year's appropriation process, Congressman Kean has requested 15 projects.