Thursday, Nov 21, 2024
Rider’s participation will provide financial resources for adult learners
by Adam Grybowski
For the second year in a row, Rider University has received a grant from New Jersey’s “Some College, No Degree” (SCND) initiative, which provides support to adult learners who previously started but did not complete their college degrees.
The $75,000 grant will enable Rider to deliver resources designed to eliminate barriers to re-enrollment and degree completion. These include financial assistance for bookstore purchases as well as urgent needs like rent, transportation, childcare and internet access.
“Rider University is fully committed to ensuring these students have the resources needed to successfully complete their degrees,” says Sean Levin, the director of Rider’s Graduate, Continuing Education Admission and University Partnerships. “With this grant, we’ll be able to build on last year’s successful initiatives, making it easier for adult learners to overcome barriers to completing their education.”
Last year, Rider used the SCND grant to re-enroll 14 students, with some already reaching graduation and others on track to complete their studies by next year. This year’s funding, which will be in effect from Dec. 1 through June 30, 2025, aims to continue that momentum, with a planned outreach campaign targeted at SCND students within 12 credits of graduation.
We’re committed to supporting [adult learners] as they work to create more opportunities for themselves and their families by completing their education."
Rider’s participation in the SCND program reflects the University’s broader commitment to educational equity, supporting adult learners and fostering degree completion. Currently, 75% of Rider’s students hail from New Jersey, with significant representation from first-generation and historically underrepresented communities. These students, many balancing work and family responsibilities, often face barriers that impact their ability to finish their degrees.
“Adult learners can face many challenges when returning to school, but we’re committed to supporting them as they work to create more opportunities for themselves and their families by completing their education,” Levin says.
Rider University's continuing education program offers low per-credit tuition rates, a range of financial aid options and flexible course formats, including online, evening and accelerated courses, as well as part-time options.
Managed by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), the $1.6 million statewide SCND program is entering its third year. The state estimates that graduates with a bachelor’s degree could earn approximately $25,000 more per year in increased wages, and that the first year after earning their degree or credential, these graduates could contribute an added $81 million to New Jersey’s economy through taxes and consumer spending.
For more information about the ‘Some College, No Degree’ initiative and support programs available at Rider University, please visit rider.edu/cep-grant.