Washington, DC - Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined colleagues from the House of Representatives in Washington, DC today to champion the “Make It In America” campaign. 
 
The multi-pronged jobs initiative, spearheaded by House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), explores investments in America’s “workforce of the future” through education and training.
 
In testimony livestreamed via Rep. Norcross’ Twitter account, Congressman Norcross, an IBEW electrician by trade, shared a message about his own unique journey through the community college system, later supplemented by apprenticeships.
“I’m an electrician with a tie who happens to have made it here to the Halls of Congress.”

Understanding that education is not a “one-size-fits-all” formula for those uncertain of their career paths and who may not want or need a four year college degree, Congressman Norcross endorsed flexible and affordable non-traditional vehicles to learning, accessible to all students.

“The four-year college experience is critical for many, but it’s not for everyone, including me. In fact, we need to emphasize those other crafts that keep our world running. We need electricians and carpenters, just like we need health professionals and EMTs. These are the professions that make our economy work.”

In addition to touting the community college system, Norcross also endorsed job training programs and enhanced vocational-technical school opportunities, and additional investments in apprenticeships for skilled trades. 

Key to the Norcross message is education affordability. “We can’t continue to have generations of students coming out of college with $250,000 of debt. We need to invest in our community colleges as affordable alternatives and encourage interested students to learn the skilled trades and technical professions that lead to good-paying jobs,” he said. 

Norcross pointed to innovative education partnerships in his home district, where community college students can seamlessly transition to Rutgers and Rowan Universities to complete their four-year degrees.

In written testimony, Norcross said: “Non-traditional education shaped my life — taking me from Community College — to Congress. Now I’m sharing these experiences in Congress to help shape the lives of other deserving Americans, chart their own futures and Make It in America.”

Responding to Norcross’ testimony, Rep. Hoyer said: “I think Congressman Norcross is a really shining example of, if you have talent and you apply that talent, you can be successful and ‘Make it in America.’“