The pilot program, “Guaranteed Education,” will enable the selected students to attend Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, N.J., for four years through the $1 million grant from the City of Newark, led by Mayor Baraka.

“Less than 16% of Newarkers have a Bachelor’s degree. The majority of Black and Brown students finance their education through debt. To close the wealth and education gap in the State of New Jersey, we must first start by making secondary education free, not just at community colleges, but also at four-year institutions. In Newark, we are providing 40 at-risk students with a chance to obtain a college degree without incurring college debt. Our children deserve it,” said Mayor Baraka.

“Saint Elizabeth University has a longstanding mission of providing an affordable, high-quality education to resolute learners from various backgrounds. We are very excited to partner with the City of Newark and Mayor Baraka in launching this important pilot program that will allow the University to further advance our mission,” said Gary B. Crosby, Ph.D., President of Saint Elizabeth University. “This is particularly important as many of our students return to their communities helping to improve the quality of life for their families and neighbors, as well as the State of New Jersey.”

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