Joseph Rizzuto, executive director of the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority (CMC-MUA), has been instrumental in helping Cape May County Technical Schools develop a new environmental science and sustainability program. The time and energy he devoted behind the scenes earned him the spotlight recently as Cape May Tech’s 2021 Business Partner of the Year.
Rizzuto has helped develop curriculum and provided information on industry-valued credentials. He also has consulted on equipment and supplies needed to outfit new spaces, including a state-of-the-art theory classroom and lab facility. Construction is set to begin within the year. As the program enrolls students, Rizzuto intends to continue his support by offering internships and implementing a registered apprentice program at the Cape May County Municipal Authorities for program graduates.
Cape May Tech’s new multidisciplinary program is supported by the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act-County Vocational School District, Career and Technical Education Grant. With help from experts, such as Rizzuto, coursework will have a broad, but important focus on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of the physical environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects such as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation; the interaction between human society and the natural environment; and natural resources management. The topics include related instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, climatology, statistics and mathematical modeling. New facilities for lab work, data analysis, mapping and emerging technologies will increase CTE student capacity by 30 new seats.
