Newark’s South Ward Promise Neighborhood launched Gateway U, a nonprofit program that offers students an affordable, flexible, online pathway to a degree through Southern New Hampshire University with personalized in-person coaching support.
“As a Newark native, I am personally invested in developing our city and our people,” said Saymah Nah, executive director of Gateway U. “At Gateway U, our mission is to catalyze socioeconomic mobility through an affordable and accessible college experience. We are strategically collaborating across the community to strengthen the pipeline between education and career, where everyone benefits: students, families, employers, schools and our greater society. As the first hybrid college in New Jersey, Gateway U is excited to work with partners to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for residents.”
Named in honor of the Gateway City, Gateway U is part of an innovative workforce development initiative that will help prepare the current and next generation for a thriving career that is in demand in the city.
Gateway U is now open with an in-person study space in the city of Newark.
“South Ward Promise Neighborhood is one of a handful of organizations nationwide to receive a second U.S Department of Education grant to continue our groundbreaking work to enhance the lives of families in Newark’s South Ward,” said Nichelle Holder, chief program officer, South Ward Promise Neighborhood. “Gateway U is part of our work to uplift children and families by giving them access to quality schools from cradle to college and career. By offering a flexible, affordable education through Gateway U that prepares our families for a meaningful career, we are creating a brighter future for Newark’s young people.”
As the city of Newark rebuilds and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gateway U will be an integral part of helping the city continue to grow and thrive by educating the city’s future workforce for the careers of tomorrow.
Through Gateway U’s partnership with SNHU, students can earn a bachelor’s or associate degree at their own pace so they can continue to work full-time or care for their loved ones. In addition, SNHU’s career-focused, project-based curriculum is designed to help students to earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as two to three years. Gateway U supports enrolled students through their SNHU degree journey by providing personalized academic and career coaching and other support services.
Gateway U also offers an affordable experience that allows students to earn a degree for no more than $7,000 per year with no hidden costs. Students receive a high-quality, real-world learning experience that prepares them for a meaningful career in the future.
Gateway U is currently offering three unique SNHU degree programs in the following areas:
- Business management: Bachelor of Arts in management, Associate of Arts in general studies;
- Healthcare management: Bachelor of Arts in healthcare management, Associate of Arts in healthcare management;
- Communications: Bachelor of Arts in communications.
Gateway U is part of a $30 million one-to-one matching U.S. Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Program grant that SWPN recently received.
Enrollment is ongoing, and the next term begins January 3. To learn more, click here.
