Ramapo College awarded grant for ‘Some College, No Degree’ initiative

10/23/23 Photo by John O'Boyle

Ramapo College of New Jersey on Monday announced it is committed to making access to college easier for New Jersey’s adult learners by participating in the statewide initiative Some College, No Degree.

According to state data, more than 750,000 New Jersey residents have some college credit, but did not complete the academic requirements and graduate.

The SCND program, through ReUp Education, provides personalized support to help adults reenroll and earn their undergraduate degree. Ramapo aims to deliver a transformative education in a diverse community dedicated to welcoming and mentoring students who bring with them a range of lived experiences.

“As New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College, Ramapo is committed to increasing access to higher education for all underserved populations,” Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb said. “The SCND initiative aligns closely with the goals and objectives of Ramapo’s strategic plan, Boldly Ascending, specifically: furthering academic excellence and student success, fostering an inclusive community and strengthening agile stewardship.”

Ramapo College said it is committed to supporting both the academic and nonacademic needs of its students. The award, provided by the Office of the Secretary for Higher Education, affords Ramapo the opportunity to provide grants for persistence, educational supplies and emergency funds. The award also allows for expanding curricular pathways for SCND students as well as refresher workshops focused on writing, reading and time management skills in the Center for Reading and Writing.

Recognizing some of the barriers that prevent adult learners from completing their degree might include facing food insecurity and homelessness, the WeCare Program at Ramapo, which opened in 2017 as a food pantry for students, commits to mitigating financial hardships of SCND students with emergency relief funding.

Earlier in 2023, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges visited the campus to learn about the success of the WeCare Program and how it assists students in need.

To learn more about the Ramapo College Degree Completion Program, click here.