9-27-2024 1:01pm

RVCC Receives Barista Champion Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation

Donnella Tilery Editor

Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program has been selected as one of 20 organizations across the United States and Canada to receive a 2024 Barista Champion Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation. The $2,500 grant will help support the EOF program, which provides financial, academic, and personal development resources to students who are traditionally underserved.

The RVCC EOF program was nominated for the grant by Ashley G., a former EOF scholar and current Starbucks partner (employee) who works at the Bridgewater Commons location. Ashley, who attended RVCC from 2019-2021, was crowned the Starbucks North American Barista Region 7 Champion, a recognition that qualified her to nominate an organization for the Barista Champion Neighborhood Grant. Ashley selected the RVCC EOF program in recognition of the impact it had on her personal and academic journey. The grant’s funds to EOF are administered through the RVCC Foundation.

“I nominated the RVCC Foundation for the grant to help provide food for EOF scholars throughout the upcoming year. The EOF program gave me the resources and support I needed during a critical time in my life, and I attribute much of my success to RVCC and the EOF program,” said Ashley.

She added, “EOF continues to empower students by teaching them how to balance life and school to achieve success. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a program that supported me from the beginning and continues to do incredible work in the community.”

The Starbucks Foundation awarded the Barista Champion Neighborhood Grants based on nominations from regional barista champions who participated in the first-ever North America Barista Championship. These Starbucks partners were given the opportunity to spotlight causes they are passionate about and organizations that are making a significant impact in their communities.

Since completing her studies at RVCC, Ashley has been pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology through Arizona State University Online, which she is completing debt-free through Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP). She hopes to further her education by obtaining a master’s degree in College Affairs.

Since 2019, more than 13,000 Starbucks Foundation grants have been awarded to local organizations, amounting to more than $20 million.

The RVCC Foundation provides the resources that enable the College to enhance its programs beyond public and tuition sources and to maintain its standing as a premier academic institution and one of the most important sources of culture and continuing education in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. For more information about supporting the College or the RVCC Foundation, contact Mike Marion, 908-648-8567, or michael.marion@raritanval.edu.

For additional information about the EOF program, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/paying-for-college/financial-aid-scholarships/eof.

The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program supports grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations through catalytic investments in the form of grants. Neighborhood Grants also help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner (employee) engagement with nonprofit organizations that work in their communities.

“Our partners (employees) know their communities best, and have shared great insights about the organizations helping to uplift others in their neighborhoods, from supporting youth and families to fighting hunger and promoting environmental stewardship,” said Alicia Vermaele, Executive Director of The Starbucks Foundation. “Through our latest round of Neighborhood Grants, we’re proud to support local organizations nominated by Starbucks partners who make our communities stronger.”

About RVCC

Ranked by WalletHub.com, Intelligent.com, and CollegeEvaluator.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, 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 approximately 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.

About The Starbucks Foundation

The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. Learn more at Starbucks Stories.

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[Photo caption for electronic photo]: Members of the RVCC community celebrate receiving a 2024 Barista Champion Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation. Pictured, from left, are: Alexander Floyd, EOF Engagement Assistant; Officer Nazceer Whitely, RVCC EOF Alum and Officer of the Bound Brook Police Department; Donyea Collins, Director of RVCC EOF; Ashley G., Starbucks North American Barista Region 7 Champion and RVCC EOF Alumna; Jennifer Berry, Assistant Director of EOF; and Jason Fredericks, RVCC Vice President of Student Affairs.