40 'At-Risk Students' To Attend Saint Elizabeth University For Free

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Dozens of at-risk students throughout New Jersey will be able to attend college for free thanks to a grant from the city and Saint Elizabeth University.

The Guaranteed Education Pilot Program, which was first announced on March 31, 2022, is funded in part through the "Guaranteed Education" program that partners the Newark’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery and the Brick City Peace Collective, in partnership with the university.

The program, which is partially funded by a $1 million grant from the city of Newark, will cover all expenses for the 40 students, including tuition, books and room and board.

“With fewer than 16 percent of Newarkers having a bachelor’s degree and the majority of Black and Brown students financing their education through debt, it’s critical that more opportunities are created for students to go to college without crippling burdens of student loans,” said Baraka. “We are starting with 40 of our at-risk Newark students for this program and we will continue to make it a priority to help close the wealth and education gap.”

Following the initial press conference, the students and families were taken to Saint Elizabeth’s University for a campus tour and lunch with President Crosby and his staff.

“We are excited about this incredible scholarship opportunity, the Guaranteed Education Program, provided to our high school seniors through the generosity of the City of Newark and Saint Elizabeth University. Our students realize their dreams are real and do come true, and that is all beginning today with this amazing announcement,” Superintendent León said.

To be eligible, students must be Newark residents with a cumulative GPA between 1.8 and 2.5 and an academic focus in social work, psychology, education, or nursing.

The program is designed for at-risk students who have an incarcerated parent, a parent who has recently been released from incarceration within the last two years, have lost a parent or sibling to violence, are a victim of violence, or are a first-generation college student.

“This ‘Guaranteed Education’ opportunity will produce 40 change makers: doctors, lawyers, social workers, teachers, accountants and perhaps the future Governor of New Jersey. The possibilities are limitless and I am honored to bear witness to the beginning of your meteoric rise…You are from Newark – you’re made of all of the best possible things. Dream big and don’t settle. Our world will be changed for the better because of you,” Deputy Secretary Comanto said.

The selected students will begin their college careers at SEU in June.

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