SNJ Today – State and local officials kicked off construction on a new education center in Salem County.

On Tuesday, December 4th, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Congressman-Elect Jeff Van Drew joined local officials to break ground on the Sam and Jean Jones Glass Education Center at Salem Community College in Carneys Point.

The existing Sam H. Jones Glass Education Center, built in 2009 in Alloway, is located 12 miles away from the college’s campus.

The new building will be larger and more conveniently located than the current one, allowing for more students to attend classes and further their interest in the glass-making skill.

Since the opening of the Glass Education Center, enrollment in the glass art program has increased by 115 percent and the scientific glass program has grown by 220 percent.

School officials hope this new Glass Center will allow for continued growth in these unique programs.