$75K Grant To Help Fund Scholarships For Rider Students

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Nineteen Rider University students have been selected to receive need-based scholarships that were paid for by a $75,000 grant from Santander Universities, Rider announced on Friday. Ten of those students are first-generation college students.

Senior Omar Perez is one of the first-generation college students. He is the first of five children in his family to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

He is double-majoring in sports management and entrepreneurial studies, and he recently completed a sales and service internship with The New York Red Bulls professional soccer team.

“Scholarship support gives relief to my family and me by reducing our financial burden,” Perez said.

The scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000. In addition, $5,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the three winners of Rider’s next Collegiate Business Competition. The competition is designed to promote entrepreneurial spirit and to recognize and promote exceptional effort, skill and creativity among Rider’s undergraduate students.

Freshman Kayelena Brimage said that in addition to easing tuition, the assistance has given her the drive to be better. She is studying entrepreneurial studies and business analytics.

“I think of a scholarship as an investment that will turn into something much greater in the future,” Brimage said.

“Santander is proud to have the opportunity to support these students as they advance their studies in entrepreneurship at Rider University,” Santander Bank Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Seth Goodall said. “Investing in education for the next generation, especially in students who are first generation college students, is a priority of Santander. We look forward to seeing these students impact their communities for years to come.”

The Santander Universities program was founded in 1996 as a means of advancing the Santander Group’s mission to contribute to the advancement of society through its support of higher education. It provides funding for teaching and research, international cooperation, knowledge and technology transfer, entrepreneurial initiatives, student exchange and innovation.

“We’re so excited and thankful for Santander’s support of our students,” Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business Center for Entrepreneurial Studies Director Lisa Teach said. “Their focus on education, entrepreneurship and employment underscores the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies’ mission to encourage an 'entrepreneurial mindset' in our students whether they plan to start a business or work for a growing company.”

At Rider, business majors may major in entrepreneurial studies by taking 18 credits specifically in entrepreneurial courses or minor in entrepreneurial studies by taking 12 credits. Individuals from other colleges and majors may also major or minor in entrepreneurial studies. As a result, the annual College Business Competition is University-wide, giving students an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship no matter what their major might be.