Middlesex College Participates In ‘Some College, No Degree’ State-Wide Initiative to Get New Jersey Students Back on Track Toward Degrees
Middlesex College is one of 17 New Jersey institutions of higher learning to participate in a partnership to support a new statewide initiative – Some College, No Degree – to provide outreach and coaching to adult learners who stopped out of college and need support to re-enroll.
The innovative partnership involves the 17 institutions, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and ReUp Education, and is designed to complement efforts toward the state’s attainment goal of 65 percent of working age New Jerseyans with a high-quality credential by 2025.
According to state data, over 750,000 New Jersey residents have some college credit, but no degree.
“We know firsthand that many students hit pause on their college journey for all kinds of reasons. The pandemic only served to exacerbate the circumstances in which students are forced to abandon their college dreams. We are delighted to be part of this important initiative to get those students back on track toward achieving their degrees,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick.
State leaders underscored the broad impact a college degree can have on individuals and communities.
“There is no doubt that obtaining a degree can be life-changing for someone aspiring to do more in their chosen field or deciding to pursue an entirely new career,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By investing in the statewide Some College, No Degree initiative and partnering with the right groups to implement this important program, we are helping smooth the transition for adult learners who left college – even years ago – and are now going back to complete their degrees.”
“Helping adult learners believe in their ability to return to college and providing tailored support so they can complete their degree will be life changing for them, their families, and New Jersey,” said Dr. Brian K. Bridges, Secretary of Higher Education. “As we have expanded affordable pathways to college, through programs like the New Jersey College Promise, we want adult learners to realize the new opportunities available since they last attended.”
According to the announcement of the partnership, ReUp Education will work directly with the 17 institutions to identify, reach, and engage students who have left college without completing a degree, as well as provide personalized support during the re-enrollment process. Data collected from the inaugural year of partnership will be leveraged to report statewide results and best practices.
“Through this partnership, adult learners in New Jersey will receive ReUp’s unique learner-centered support to navigate the barriers and make their dreams a reality,” said Terah Crews, Chief Executive Officer of ReUp Education.
In addition to Middlesex College, the institutions participating in the year one pilot include: Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Kean University, New Jersey City University, Stockton, University, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University, Saint Elizabeth University, Camden County College, Essex County College, Hudson County Community College, Passaic County Community College, Rowan College at Burlington County, Salem Community College, Sussex County Community College, and Union College of Union County.
Middlesex College is hosting a Rock ‘N’ ReEnroll event Saturday, June 10, to help adult learners return to college to complete their degree. For more information, visit middlesexcollege.edu/rock-n-reenroll.
