Governor Phil Murphy announced allocation of funds to support college students
July 2021 – On Monday, July 13, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges announced the allocation of $500,000 in federal funding to Drew University in support of COVID-19’s effects on college students.
The state’s funding—part of nearly $30 million awarded to 35 institutions across New Jersey—will invest in college students, particularly those most affected by the pandemic.
Institutions receiving funding will, “implement vetted best practices that increase college completion, address barriers to student success, and develop sustainable systemic reforms,” according to a press release from Gov. Murphy’s office.
The bulk of the near $30 million dispersed throughout the state supports the new Opportunity Meets Innovation Challenge (OMIC), a grant program aimed at the long-term resiliency of New Jersey universities.
Per Drew’s grant application, the school will use the funding to create the Drew Student Success Program (DSSP), a multi-pronged, holistic approach to onboarding first-year and transfer students prior to their first semester and supporting them throughout their years on campus.
“This program will provide guided academic support services and strengthen a sense of belonging and engagement for this unique group of students,” said Drew University Interim President Tom Schwarz.
“We want to see them flourish academically, stay in college, and have on-campus and off-campus career-related experiences that prepare them to join the workforce in their chosen careers.”
