Faculty at Ramapo College of New Jersey have been awarded prestigious competitive grants from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education aimed at helping underserved students in the STEM fields.

Although they often show great interest in the sciences, the most highly talented and motivated students from underserved populations often lag behind their counterparts in STEM majors and careers because they don’t always have the funding to continue their studies. Ramapo College’s Professor Amruth Kumar, who teaches Computer Science in the School of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, received a $999,999 grant (“Priming Computer Science Students for Success”) from the National Science Foundation for scholarships for low-income, vulnerable students who complete a computer science degree. To help improve the educational outcomes of such students, Kumar will use “cognitive apprentice-style faculty mentoring” for the most challenging courses in the major, as well as contests, peer-tutoring, and technology clubs, all to help engage and support the students. “We’ll also provide one-on-one mentoring from alumni in the computer science field to help guide the students on career options and workplace expectations,” he added.

Professor Sandra Suarez received a renewal of an Upward Bound Math Science Program TRIO grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The $278,000 grant has the potential for $1.5 million in funding over five years. Designed to help students successfully complete high school with the STEM-skills necessary to succeed in college, the program includes a summer intensive program at Ramapo, workshops on financial aid, college admissions and other topics. “Ramapo’s Upward Bound Math Science program has touched the lives of more than 600 students since 1995. Our alumni are doctors, pharmacists, business owners, research scientists, teachers…the list goes on. We could not have impacted so many without the ongoing support of the College, where our participants have the opportunity to experience a world that expands their vision of the future,” Suarez says.

Ramapo College Offers Accelerated Degree Completion Program for Adult Students

Ramapo College of New Jersey is making it easier for adult students to complete their undergraduate degree. The innovative and focused degree completion program offers a combination of online and classroom study for adult students who can earn their degree in one of three bachelor’s programs: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Bachelor of Arts in Social Science; and Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Arts: Professional Communication.

The accelerated coursework is specifically designed for adult students, who are working, raising a family or changing professional pursuits, to earn their degree in as little as two years. Ramapo’s degree completion programs enable graduates to gain the perspectives and skills needed to succeed, advance, or re-enter the workforce.

The degree completion programs offer many features adult students want and need, such as:
• Courses offered on a guaranteed evening schedule
• A cohort program that places you in a community of committed adult learners like yourself
• Fully mapped-out programs in Business Administration, Social Science, and Professional Communication which ensure a clear path to finishing your degree
• Accelerated eight-week terms that enable you to attend part-time without slowing down your progress
• A Prior Learning Assessment program that allows you to earn credit for learning you’ve gained through work, family and volunteer activities
• A program director who serves as a first point of contact for your questions
• Payment plans to help you manage your financial obligations

Ramapo College also is working with other institutions to further assist adult students. This fall, students who earn their associate’s degree through the adult program at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, N.J., are guaranteed admission to complete a bachelor’s degree through Ramapo’s accelerated degree completion program for adults.

Ramapo College and CCM will collaborate in providing students with information and academic advising, as well as academic requirements and transfer process. Qualified students must have successfully earned an A.A. or A.S. degree with at least a 2.5 grade point average and at least 64 credits before transferring.

Ramapo College Offers New Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

The School of Social Sciences and Human Services (SSHS) at Ramapo College of New Jersey is now offering the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, effective Fall 2017.

Students at Ramapo College will now be able to declare a major in Elementary Education towards certification as a classroom teacher in grades K-6. Students also will have the option to secure Middle School endorsement eligibility in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science. This will enable graduates of the program to extend their certification from K-6 to K-8 towards increased marketability. Secondary certification will maintain its eligibility requirements with students majoring in a content that aligns with State of New Jersey regulations for certification.

“I am excited about the initiation of the Bachelor of Science degree program in Elementary Education. Ramapo College faculty and staff look forward to working with students and the K-12 community to ensure the success of this new degree program,” said Dr. C. Rexton Lynn, Assistant Dean for Teacher Education in SSHS.