(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)January 23, 2020

MAHWAH, N.J. – Bergen County Freeholder Germaine Ortiz discussed the importance of “being counted” during the Census 2020 Fair held at Ramapo College of New Jersey on January 20.

“A lot of students are not counted because they either are not living at home or they live off campus. But accurate numbers are extremely important so the districts can receive proper federal funding for the programs they need,” said Ortiz, who is spearheading the 20202 Census efforts in Bergen County.

Ortiz explained that federal funding is allotted for programs such as infrastructure, health care, school programs, etc., according to population and subsequent needs in each district. In New Jersey, approximately $22 billion of the $675 billion federal funding is at stake.

“I encourage you to get involved, tell your families and friends, especially through social media, that everyone counts. This is definitely a group effort.”

Presenting additional information about the Census procedure, its history and how the count impacts our state were Cuqui Rivera of the Latino Action Network Foundation; Mary Coogan, vice president of Newark-based Advocates for Children of New Jersey; Palin Young of the Census Bureau; and Ramapo alumna Krystina Jeron ’19, community outreach representative of Norwescap.

“This event was designed to raise awareness and for students to understand the importance of the Census and how it will impact the College,” said Karen Booth, assistant director for Civic Engagement at Ramapo College. She added that this event was the first in a series of similar information sessions scheduled in advance of Census Day, April 1, 2020.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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