Rider U Gets Grant To Help College Dropouts Re-Enroll

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Rider University is among 18 New Jersey institutions that received grants to help students re-enroll in higher education, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) said Tuesday.

The University received $75,000 for the statewide ‘Some College, No Degree’ initiative.

Under the program, adult learners who drop out of higher education will find help to return and persist in completing their degree.

The aim of the program is to help New Jersey residents complete their degrees, reduce equity gaps, and boost the state workforce.

A total of $1.6 million was awarded to 18 institutions of higher education as part of a second grant cycle.

This is the third year for the program that aims to build clear pathways and tailored supports for adult learners.

As of this month, through the partnership between OSHE, ReUp Education (ReUp) and 22 institutions of higher education, over 8,600 residents have re-enrolled and over 350 of them are on the way to graduate.

Graduates with an Associate’s degree could earn approximately $3,700 per year in increased wages, while those with a Bachelor’s could earn approximately $25,000.

“With roughly three-quarters of a million New Jersey residents identified as having some college credit but no degree, we recognize that each student’s reasons for not completing their education are diverse and deeply personal,” New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges said.

“By collaborating closely with our institutions and providing personalized support, we are addressing these unique motivations and challenges. This tailored approach has been particularly successful in re-enrolling adult learners from underrepresented communities, especially those from Black and Latinx backgrounds, ensuring that every learner can achieve their educational goals and access the life-changing credentials that will empower them to thrive.”

The grants will provide direct benefits to students, helping them to cover the costs of basic needs, unexpected expenses, application fees, and credit for prior learning assessments.

Additionally, institutions will be using funds to develop digital resources, in-person events, specialized advising, and more that help to foster success and belonging among returning adult learners.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com