COUNTY’S SUPPORT OF LIFELONG LEARNING HELPS EVERYONE
LEARNING AT ALL AGES AT MIDDLESEX COLLEGE
Among the many benefits of the County’s support for lifelong learning is its impact on the talent pipeline – the bedrock of a strong economy. Residents who have access to top-tier educational programs and opportunities right here in Middlesex County are more likely to continue living or working here. Case in point: Jamesburg resident and Middlesex County employee Amber Shiffner. Growing up in Monroe, Shiffner didn’t think she wanted to attend college. She changed her mind in high school thanks to the encouragement of her teachers and the flexibility and affordability of Middlesex College. Shiffner graduated with her associate degree in earth science in 2014 before transferring to Rutgers University and earning a bachelor’s degree in 2018. Along the way, she discovered an interest in environmental science and solid waste management. “One of my first encounters with solid waste management was an environmental science class I took at Middlesex College,” said Shiffner. “We visited the Middlesex County Landfill, and it was such a unique opportunity to see the whole process of what happens to the items we throw away. I enjoyed learning about environmental policy in college, and seeing the policies and regulations in action made me curious to see more and learn about opportunities to work in this field.”
Want to move ahead in your career – or change it entirely? Looking for a unique idea for date night? Need to learn a new language? Interested in exploring a new hobby? The Division of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning at Middlesex College probably has a class for that. Designed for adults aged 18 and older, these affordable evening and weekend courses offer opportunities to improve existing skills or learn new ones, all in a fun and supportive learning environment. Students range from age 18 to 80+, have a variety of backgrounds and education levels, and include everyone from professionals ready to advance in their career to couples taking cooking classes together to people learning a new language or exploring hobbies like ceramics and line dancing. Courses covering topics such as healthcare careers, human resource management, construction management, and event planning are also available.
Providing lifelong learning opportunities is a point of pride for Middlesex College, and an area where it continues to invest. Eligibility-based scholarships are available for healthcare careers and certificate programs, and the College
has a new grant writing certificate program and a new lead chef and all new menus for its culinary courses. “Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of progress and prosperity for any community. In embracing the pursuit of knowledge throughout our lives, we not only enrich ourselves but also contribute to the growth and vitality of Middlesex County,” said Joanie Coffaro, Vice President for External Affairs, Communication, and Advancement at the College. “Education knows no age limits, and as we commit to lifelong learning, we empower our community with the tools to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.” Visit middlesexcollege.edu/workforce-development to learn more about the courses available via Middlesex College’s Division of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning.
While at Rutgers, Shiffner interned with the Environmental Division of the Middlesex
County Office of Health Services, with the goal of someday working for the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). She then came onboard in a seasonal and then full-time role. Now a registered environmental health specialist, Shiffner supervises the County’s solid waste program. She works closely with NJDEP, and part of her job involves enforcing solid waste and recycling regulations, including ensuring that businesses in the County are recycling. Recently she helped a major international retailer implement a recycling
program at their County location. Keeping talented minds and skilled
professionals here in Middlesex County benefits businesses and residents – and the County overall. Shiffner credits the College’s earth science program for her current success: “That program is why I am where I am today. Even though it’s on a smaller scale here, I get to make a difference every day.”
Amber Shiffner, Jamesburg resident and Middlesex County employee
middlesexcountynj.gov 9
8 Your Middlesex | 2024 Issue 1
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker