New Scholarship Fund Will Help Students Overcome Unexpected Barriers to Earning Degree
Rutgers University–Newark has launched a new initiative designed to help students facing financial hardships due to unexpected challenges—such as food insecurity, housing instability, and other circumstances—stay on track toward earning their degrees.
The Student Achievement and Resilience (STAR) Fund, led by Rutgers–Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson, was created to address a growing need among students who may not qualify for traditional forms of financial aid or whose situations require immediate assistance.
The fund will provide flexible financial support to students whose educational progress is threatened by challenges that include technology needs, family emergencies, food insecurity, housing instability, and other needs that create obstacles to remaining enrolled and succeeding academically.
The fund was created to address a growing need among students who may not qualify for traditional forms of financial aid or whose circumstances require immediate assistance.
“One thing I have learned about Rutgers–Newark students is that their potential is incredible,’’ Smith-Jackson said. “Many are juggling school with work, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and other challenges that most people never see.’’
Smith-Jackson added, “Sometimes those realities can make it difficult to finish a degree, even for students who are exceptionally capable. That is why this scholarship fund is so important. It is designed to help students overcome barriers that can stand in the way of their education, giving them the support they need to stay on track, earn their degrees, and realize the opportunities they have worked so hard to pursue.’’
The STAR Fund is intended to help bridge the gaps. Support may be used to address short-term financial holds that prevent students from registering for classes, unexpected expenses tied to academic progress, and urgent basic-needs challenges that can undermine student success.
On October 23, as the kickoff to Homecoming weekend, the Chancellor’s STAR Night will be held to officially launch the fund. The chancellor will gather with donors, students, and community and university leaders at Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall for a celebration of student achievement and resilience at 6 p.m. The deadline to RSVP is October 12.
The STAR Fund is designed to provide timely assistance before temporary hardships become permanent setbacks.
University data underscores the scale of the challenge. More than 1,500 currently enrolled Rutgers–Newark students carry outstanding balances, averaging $2,738 each. Collectively, those balances represent an estimated $4.25 million gap that can stand between students and continued enrollment.
Beyond addressing immediate crises, the fund is intended to support students throughout their educational journey. Assistance could help students obtain textbooks, pay academic fees, replace lost technology such as laptops, or respond to other unforeseen needs for which no dedicated funding source exists.
Rutgers–Newark officials emphasized that the STAR Fund will complement, rather than replace, existing scholarships and student-support programs. Awards will be provided in accordance with university policies, available resources, and assessments of student need.
Support Students
Please consider a gift to the Rutgers–Newark Student Achievement and Resilience (STAR) Fund.
