LAUTENBERG, MENENDEZ ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $6 MILLION TO IMPROVE JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS AT NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGESWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced that the Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded four New Jersey community colleges more than $6 million in federal funding to improve job training for careers in high-demand industries, including information technology and the energy industry."In this economy, community colleges and the job training they provide are more essential than ever.  This funding will help our students and workers expand skill sets with training in some of our state's most innovative industries," Sen. Lautenberg said. "This training is a perfect example of the kind of efforts we need to help New Jersey's workforce through these tough economic times."Senator Menendez said: "There is nothing more essential to a family's economic situation than a job. Our community colleges are helping New Jerseyans find and retain employment in emerging sectors of our economy, which will help those seeking work find good jobs. These funds help to create economic security for our families as we work to recover from this economic crisis."In total, the four New Jersey community colleges will receive $6,220,812:· $2,295,497 for Bergen Community College in Paramus for retail training programs;· $1,250,909 for Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing for geospatial technology training programs, which are the foundation of global positioning systems and geographical mapping systems, such as GoogleMaps and global positioning satellites;· $1,720,884 for Salem Community College in Carney's Point for energy industry training programs; and· $953,522 for Burlington County College in Pemberton for information technology training programs.Community colleges are experiencing record enrollment in light of the economic crisis.  Statewide full-time student enrollment at New Jersey's 19 community colleges increased by a record 6.4 percent in Fall 2008.  Schools nationwide also reported increased enrollment ranging from five to 26 percent, according to an informal study by the American Association of Community Colleges.These programs will increase the schools' capacity to attract and train individuals for careers in rapidly growing, high-demand local industries.###