$1.5M For Rowan University In Wake Of COVID-19 Pandemic

Rowan University will receive more than $1.5 million from the federal government in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, state officials announced.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges announced the recipients of the funding this week, stating that the money will go to support the core priorities of the State Plan for Higher Education.

About $28.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education, through the second round of Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding, will be awarded to 35 public and public-mission private institutions that receive state operating aid.

This funding will also support the launch of the Opportunity meets Innovation Challenge (OMIC), a "competitive grant program to implement best practices and develop sustainable system-wide reforms as the state builds long-term resiliency."

These institutions will implement vetted best practices that increase college completion, address barriers to student success, and develop sustainable systemic reforms, according to a news release.

The colleges and universities will now be able to expand projects like dual enrollment programs and tackling food insecurity or lack of childcare as a way to address barriers and increase access for low-income students, the release said.

Additional funding of more than $1 million will be awarded to 11 public institutions to combat food insecurity among students.

Rowan University will receive $1,499,993 in OIMC funding, and $100,000 in funding to combat food insecurity among students.

"Our institutions of higher education have provided a high-quality of education to our students throughout the pandemic, despite challenging circumstances," said Murphy.

"Supporting our institutions will continue to be a priority as they work to provide an equitable educational experience for students, prepare them for the jobs of the future and meet challenges ahead."