Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) students recently participated in a scholarship contest designed to connect academic learning with practical business challenges. The event was organized through a partnership between Element Logic of Carlstadt, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and Bergen Logistics of North Bergen.
Now in its third year, the contest has become an important initiative for fostering innovation and career development among RVCC students. Faculty from the college’s Business and Public Service department provided mentorship throughout the process.
Six finalists—Roland Hofmann, Christian Vandergoot, Emily Cherubino, Bryce Baucom, Eva Guastella, and Abida Zaidi—were recognized for their creativity and critical thinking during the competition. Christian Vandergoot won first place and received a $3,500 scholarship. Emily Cherubino placed second with a $1,500 prize. The remaining four participants each received $500 cash prizes funded by RVCC Professor William Klinger and his wife Sheila. Awards were presented at a ceremony on January 20 at Bridgewater Manor hosted by Element Logic.
Vandergoot said: “This competition has truly helped me with my professional growth, giving me the confidence to approach real-world business challenges and find effective solutions. The experience helped me to think like someone in the [third-party logistics] industry and how to clean and analyze data and benchmark productivity.”
Element Logic partnered with CSCMP and Bergen Logistics to give students exposure to real business scenarios in material handling, logistics, and data analysis. Students visited Bergen Logistics last fall for hands-on experience with industry professionals and facilities. Keith Spero, RVCC Adjunct Assistant Professor in Business & Public Service, said: “This competition offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the business world, apply what they have learned, and grow in ways that textbooks simply can’t provide.”
Participants also earned service-learning credits through RVCC’s Pray Family Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement.
Maira Mendonca, an RVCC alumna who won the first-year contest, returned as a mentor this year after interning at Element Logic—a role that led to full-time employment there. Mendonca said: “Participating in the scholarship contest gave me the confidence to improve my communication skills, gain industry knowledge, and face real-world challenges. It was a turning point that opened doors to opportunities I never imagined.”
More information about Raritan Valley Community College is available at www.raritanval.edu.
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), which is not directly involved in this contest but supports collaborations between businesses and educational institutions across New Jersey according to its official website, serves as one of the largest statewide employer organizations representing sectors such as manufacturing, retail, services, contracting, and more. NJBIA works from its Trenton headquarters under President Michele Siekerka to advance member prosperity through advocacy efforts as well as essential resources (source).
