The Division of Student Access and Pathway Programs is dedicated to expanding opportunities for middle school, high school, and community college students by providing comprehensive support, resources, and programs that promote academic success, personal growth, and career readiness. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, we empower students-particularly those from historically underserved backgrounds-to navigate educational pathways, transition to higher education, achieve their full potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Penny McPherson-Myers
Vice President
Savitz Hall
856.256.4086
mcphersonp@rowan.edu
Center for Access, Persistence & Achievement
Brett Pulliam
Assistant Vice President, Student Access and Pathway Programs
Savitz Hall 345
Camden Academic Building 218
Achieving Success through Collaboration, Engagement & Determination Program (ASCEND)
The ASCEND program is an educational pipeline scholarship program for first-generation, underrepresented, and/or low-income students, which utilizes a series of intentional programming to support students in the program. Within the ASCEND program, there are a few components: the Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) and the RISE Scholarship Program.
The EOF program provides access, preparation, orientation, and academic support for students who are among the first in their families to attend college and for those who otherwise may face unique challenges in college due to economic, cultural, or educational circumstances.
To be considered for the EOF program, students must complete the Common Application and select EOF. The six main requirements for EOF applicants are:
- Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
- Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months before receiving the award
- Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university
- Must meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of choice
- Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
- Reported Gross income and assets must fall within the stated income and asset guidelines as determined by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)/EOF
The RISE Program is a scholarship program designed for highly motivated first-generation students who would benefit from additional academic support and resources. There are no financial eligibility criteria for the RISE program. However, students are required to complete the FAFSA.
To be considered for the RISE program, students must submit the Common Application. Admissions officers and the EOF team collaborate to identify potential candidates, review admission information, and conduct student interviews to determine admittance. Selected students of the ASCEND program (EOF and RISE) are conditionally admitted and required to participate in a six-week summer bridge program. This program provides college preparatory skills, leadership skills, academic coursework and support, STEM enrichment activities, and orientation for transition into the University environment. During the summer program, the ASCEND staff evaluates the students’ demonstrated ability to successfully transition into Rowan University and makes a recommendation regarding the appropriateness of fall admission.
ASCEND students are assigned an ASCEND counselor to provide a broad range of academic and personal support services, including counseling, tutoring, and leadership development from freshman year through graduation. ASCEND Counselors interact with students in individual and small group settings. Financial assistance is provided to qualified students.
Brett Pulliam
Assistant Vice President, Student Access and Pathway Programs
Savitz Hall 345
856.256.4080
ascend@rowan.edu
ASCEND Camden, Academic Building, Second Floor
856.361.2930
Creating Higher Aspiration & Motivation Project (CHAMP)
The Creating Higher Aspiration & Motivation Project (CHAMP)/Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) serves approximately 450+ 6th through 12th grade Camden City middle and high school students annually, with college access activities. CHAMP/GEAR UP provides participants with a solid foundation to aid them with the support necessary to successfully complete secondary education and postsecondary education programs leading to careers in fields in which persons from minority and/or disadvantaged backgrounds are underrepresented, such as engineering, computer science, medicine, environmental science, etc.
The program includes a six-week summer enrichment program with the goal of increasing students’ math, science, English, public speaking, cooperative skill building, and career exploration. The academic year program includes after-school tutoring, in and out-of-school counseling and mentoring, Saturday Academy, PSAT/SAT instruction, career exploration, field trips, and educational activities. Trips to colleges and universities, as well as assistance with the completion of college applications and financial aid forms, are provided. College Access workshops are also offered to parents.
The program is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Education administered through the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), NJ GEAR UP and College Bound Grant Programs, Camden City Schools, and Rowan University.
Winona Wigfall
Director
Camden Bank Building, 2nd Floor
856.361.2920
wigfall@rowan.edu
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is part of a national effort to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who successfully complete baccalaureate and advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Funding for the LSAMP program is provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Rowan University is one of nine institutions that comprise the consortium called the Greater Philadelphia Region Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. This consortium represents a diverse partnership of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), both public and private two- and four-year research and non-research institutions. The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation at Rowan University partners with the ASCEND program, academic colleges, the Division of University Research, student groups, and other University stakeholders to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM majors. The ultimate goal of this program is to diversify the STEM workforce. This is done by facilitating and identifying professional development opportunities, including but not limited to seminars, conferences, internships, cooperative employment experiences, research, or civic engagement. The program also encourages students to pursue advanced degrees in STEM.
Brett Pulliam
Assistant Vice President, Student Access and Pathway Programs
Savitz Hall 345
Pulliamb@rowan.edu
Upward Bound Program
The Upward Bound program is a federally funded program that provides opportunities for 50 students from low-income families and/or first-generation college-bound students to succeed in college. The Upward Bound program at Rowan Camden serves English Language Learners (ELL) students from Camden high schools who participate in their school’s bilingual or ESL program.
Recognizing the need for these students to enhance both their content knowledge and language proficiency, the academic courses offered through Upward Bound for ELLs use a content-based instruction approach, which focuses on English language acquisition while providing much-needed content knowledge.
The program offers an academic year component that begins in October and ends in May, as well as a six-week non-residential summer program (June through early August) held both on the Rowan University - Camden Campus Academic Building.
Margie Olivencia
Coordinator
Camden Academic Building, Third Floor
856.361.2937
olivencia@rowan.edu
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