Helping ‘Stopped-Out’ Students Obtain Their Higher Ed Degrees

On Mar 31, 2023

The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) has announced an innovative partnership with ReUp Education and 17 New Jersey higher education institutions to provide outreach and coaching to adult learners who “stopped out” of college and need support to re-enroll.

More than 750,000 New Jersey residents have some college credit, but no degree and this partnership would complement efforts toward the state’s attainment goal of 65% of working age New Jerseyans with a high-quality credential by 2025.

“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 Gov. 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.”

Reasons why students make the difficult decision to leave college are wide-ranging. It can be anything from a matter of financial hardship, like being unable to afford living expenses or support a family, to shifting career goals and aspirations. Now in its inaugural year, the statewide “Some College, No Degree” initiative aims to reengage these New Jersey residents and help make it possible for them to complete their degrees.

“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, CEO of ReUp Education. “We’re honored to work with the state to ensure their adult learners have the specialized support they need to thrive in the state of New Jersey.”

Through the partnership, ReUp Education will be working directly with the 17 institutions to identify, reach, and engage “stopped-out” students – those who have left college without completing a degree – as well as provide personalized support for those navigating the re-enrollment process. Data collected through the initial year of partnership will be leveraged to report statewide results and best practices.

The institutions participating in the year one pilot cohort 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, Middlesex College, Passaic County Community College, Rowan College at Burlington County, Salem Community College, Sussex County Community College, and Union College of Union County, New Jersey.

For Fiscal Year 2024, Governor Murphy’s proposed budget recommends additional funding for Some College, No Degree to continue building on the foundational year and provide further supports to this priority population.

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