$1M Will Buy ‘Debt-Free’ College Degree For 40 Newark Students

NEWARK, NJ — A college education can be a foundation for future success – as long as it doesn’t saddle you with the devastating burden of a massive student loan. But according to Newark officials, dozens of students in the Brick City are about to start earning a debt-free four-year degree at Saint Elizabeth University under a new pilot program.

On Monday, a lineup of elected officials and school administrators gathered at Newark City Hall to announce the 40 students selected for the Guaranteed Education pilot program (watch the video below).

Through the program, the City of Newark’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery and the Brick City Peace Collective, in partnership with Saint Elizabeth University, will provide a “debt-free four-year college education” to the students through a $1 million grant from the City of Newark.

Here’s how it works, according to a statement from Mayor Ras Baraka’s office:

“To be eligible, students must be a Newark resident, have a cumulative grade point average between 1.8 and 2.5, and must choose an academic focus in social work, psychology, education or nursing. This program is for at-risk students who have an incarcerated parent, have a parent who was recently released from incarceration within the past two years, has lost a parent or sibling to violence, is a victim of violence, or who is a first-generation college student. The City of Newark will sponsor the cost of the four-year program for the selected students. The grant represents ‘last dollar’ funding that takes into account individual student’s federal, state and institutional financial assistance. The pilot will be administered through Saint Elizabeth University’s Educational Opportunity Fund program, with the students beginning their college journey at SEU this June.”

City officials said they worked with the Newark Public School District, Newark Street Academy and Leaders for Life to select the students, who had to meet all of the above criteria.

“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,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

Saint Elizabeth University President Gary Crosby was also among the elected officials and school administrators on hand for Monday’s announcement.

“This institution is committed to working closely with our students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally,” Crosby said. “Following SEU’s long-standing mission, our goal is to not only provide these 40 students with engaging educational programs, but to inspire them to effect positive change in their community.”

Newark School Superintendent Roger León said the program is an excellent opportunity for the selected youth.

“Our students realize their dreams are real and do come true, and that is all beginning today with this amazing announcement,” León said.

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