Ewing, NJ (December 16, 2015) –
Representatives from Educational Testing Service (ETS), Ewing Public Education Foundation (EPEF), Ewing Township and others gathered today to officially open the new Education and Technology Resource Center located in Ewing Township’s Hollowbrook Community Center. The facility houses state-of-the-art computers, wireless Internet access, audio-visual equipment, computer/web based learning applications for children and adults, and upgraded classroom space for new and ongoing programs.
The new facility is the culmination of several years of development, which began in 2013 when the employees of ETS, through the ETS Employees’ Community Action Fund, dedicated contributions for this particular project. Funds totaling $62,000 were used to purchase and install the equipment and infrastructure related to the project, while the Township handled renovations and improvements to the Hollowbrook Community Center needed to house the new facility. EPEF provided ongoing financial management to the project.
EPEF President, Steven K. Szmutko commended all partners in the endeavor for their collaborative efforts in bringing this project to fruition. “This is a wonderful project which truly reflects the importance of education as a lifelong journey for all in Ewing Township. Special thanks go to ETS and its employees, not just for their financial support in making this unique resource center a reality, but also for their invaluable support of the Ewing Public Education Foundation since it was established more than 20 years ago. Not only have they supported EPEF with their financial contributions, but they have provided their insight, wisdom and expertise in helping us grow in our work with the Ewing Public School District to support innovative and creative programs to engage and inspire students. As we support education in its broadest sense to all members of Ewing Township, we look forward to our continued collaboration with this valued partner and those at ETS who have worked with us in various capacities throughout the years.”
Mayor Bert Steinmann stated, “This is exactly the kind of cooperative project that makes Ewing a unique and wonderful place to live.”
The Ewing Township Superintendent, Michael Nitti, added, “It has been an honor to be involved in this exciting project from the planning stages to culmination,” stated Mike Nitti, Superintendent of the Ewing Schools.
“We believe deeply in community-embedded education, and this project is an excellent example of a best practice,” Nitti added. “It was wonderful to see so many stakeholders come together and create something that will be truly beneficial to an entire community of learners.”
The Hollowbrook Community Center’s Director, Raquel Ince, stated, “The Computer Learning Center at Hollowbrook will provide the Township of Ewing community access to computers by offering computer classes, open lab hours and free public wifi. It is a state of the art facility with 20 Chrome OS computer stations, printing capabilities, a teacher station and 2 projector/whiteboards. It is our mission to enrich our community members’ lives with technology and learning opportunities. The Learning Center will be used by the in house day care centers to give preschoolers an introduction to computers. We will also offer computer courses to teach computer skills such as Intro to Word Processing, Skype, or Ipad basics. The lab will have open hours which will allow the community to job search, complete homework, check email, and much more.”
ABOUT ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 60 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC® tests, the GRE® tests and The Praxis Series® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. For more information, go to: www.ets.org.
ABOUT EPEF
The Ewing Public Education Foundation (EPEF) is an independent, not-for-profit citizens’ organization whose mission is to build community support and acquire supplementary resources for innovative educational programs, experiences and technology that enhance teaching and learning, and that reward student achievement through scholarships. EPEF continues to celebrate its 20th Anniversary with its $20 for 20 Capital Campaign. For additional information about the Foundation and to make your tax-deductible contribution, go to www.epef.org.
EPEF Board Members: Steven K. Szmutko, President; Karl Clark, Vice President; Laura Canavera, Treasurer; Barbara Puca, Secretary; Lisa Stewart Albright, Esq.; Marc Celentana, PhD.; Diane Romanello Glover; Roomana Khan; Lynn S. Lowe; Amy Otey; Wayne Staub; Joan Zuckerman
Executive Director: Heather Kearns-Latini