BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – Jordan Barge of Somerville has been named the recipient of the 2022–2023 Raritan Valley Community College Service Learning Leadership Award. Barge is a student in the College’s Criminal Justice program.
The annual award honors students for their outstanding leadership and personal development attained through their service learning project and reflection activity.
The award focuses on projects showing a high level of initiative in all areas of planning, including identifying the community need, developing the service, and putting that plan into action.
An active and engaged leader committed to creating positive social change, Barge uses her leadership role to share her experience as a first-generation Hispanic student. She has proven her dedication and passion to service with many different activities. Her participation in the Service Learning Program through two criminal justice classes enabled her to volunteer at the RVCC Achievement Center, mentoring students with disabilities.
Her service to the community has continued outside of the College, as she has volunteered with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Somerset County Sherriff’s Office, helping staff with daily activities, and the Somerset County Board of Elections, serving as a poll worker.
Committed to social justice and community engagement, Barge has taken advantage of the many opportunities offered at RVCC. Through the Honors College, she completed a Capstone project on capital punishment and criminal procedures. In addition to her participation in the Service Learning Program, she is a member of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOF) and is President of the Criminal Justice Club, Vice President Coordinator for the Orgullo Latino Club, and a member of the Rotaract Club.
“I knew from an early age I wanted to make a difference and help people—whether that was saving lives or helping families put food on the table. Participating in the RVCC Service Learning Program has inspired me to turn my passion of helping others into a reality,” said Barge. “I would like to use this award to highlight the students like me who have come from a difficult background. This shows that no matter where you come from, you can overcome any obstacle and accomplish any dream you put your mind to,” she continued.
Other honors for Barge include being recognized for her outstanding service with the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award from the White House for volunteering over 300 hours in a 12-month period. She also received the Raritan Promise Scholarship from the Raritan Valley Community College Foundation.
After graduating from RVCC in May, Barge plans transfer to John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she intends to study Criminology and International Criminal Justice and minor in Spanish. She eventually would like to receive a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. She aspires to be an FBI agent.
For more information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
