New Jersey may have the best blueberries and pork roll, but one thing it’s not so great at is retaining its college-bound students.
According to a 2014 report by the Chronicle of High Education, New Jersey sends more students to colleges out of state than any other. While 31% of all US freshmen will attend school in a different state from where they live, New Jersey leads this pack, with 37% of freshmen opting to leave home to pursue higher education, reports The Washington Post. Many college freshmen from New Jersey attend schools in neighboring states, such as Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Many college freshmen from New Jersey attend schools in neighboring states, such as Pennsylvania and Delaware.
In an effort to help combat this trend, a local digital marketing company is hoping to reward students who plan on staying in New Jersey to continue their education.
Many website online, that highlights the best things to do in NJ, is running a scholarship contest for high school students looking to pursue a degree at one of New Jersey’s 4-year or 2-year colleges, as well as those enrolling in a vocational or technical program.
The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help offset the cost of college attendance. Three runners-up will receive $100 awards each.
In keeping with the company’s mission of bringing New Jersey into the homes of its residents and visitors, applicants are asked to submit a creative essay portraying New Jersey in a positive light.
Applicants are encouraged to be creative in their essay. Students can write about special memories they have of growing up in New Jersey, their favorite place to go in the state, what being a New Jerseyan means to them or even highlight what makes their town or community special.
Applicants are also required to submit a resume outlining any awards, accomplishments, work experience or volunteer opportunities.
“We are ultimately looking for unique responses that show off how great New Jersey can be,” said Charlie Daidone, a spokesperson for the company. “We are looking for bright students who can relay their experiences of growing up in the Garden State.”
New Jersey is home to 25 public and private colleges and universities. This is not including community colleges, vocational and technical programs and for-profit institutions. Still, the number of institutions may not be enough to staunch the flow of students leaving New Jersey. According to that same piece in The Washington Post, NJ colleges would have to expand their occupancy by 44% to accommodate all college-bound students.
According to that same piece in The Washington Post, NJ colleges would have to expand their occupancy by 44% to accommodate all college-bound students.
Hoboken in particular is home to one of New Jersey’s most notable colleges. Stevens Institute of Technology, is consistently regarded as a top choice for higher education in the STEM fields. FunNewJersey.com has reached out to the Hoboken Public School System, among many others, to get the word out to local students about this scholarship opportunity.
“It is our hope that we can do our part to invest in New Jersey’s greatest resource: its students.”
Students have until May 15, 2017 to apply for this scholarship. For more information, see their scholarship application.