New CCS Program Clears Hurdles for Latino Students
When Ruth Rodriguez ’08 first enrolled in Rider University’s College of Continuing Studies (CCS) in 2005, she did so to honor her father’s wishes. According to Ruth, “My father had only finished middle school, so a college education was something he very much desired for his only child,” Rodriguez explained. A mother of four, she didn’t think she was “cut out for college but gained courage and enrolled in CCS.”
Rodriguez, who would ultimately distinguish herself as an Andrew J. Rider Scholar, registered for Dr. Steven Lorenzet’s Introduction to Human Resources Management class during her first semester in Lawrenceville. Rodriguez credits Lorenzet’s “interest in his students and his ability to teach the course material” for helping steer her studies toward human resources, with, perhaps, a career path to follow. Today, Rodriguez is a human resources professional – thanks, she says, to the encouragement of Rider faculty and staff.
In order to alleviate the obstacles to enrolling in higher education that Rodriguez and many other Latino students face, Rider’s College of Continuing Studies has created the new Fomentamos Tu Futuro program to help provide support and guidance for the students of Latino descent.
“Based on the College’s experience in helping so many Latino students earn their bachelor’s degree, we wanted to provide personalized support services to ensure their success at Rider,” explained Angela González Walker, assistant dean of the College of Continuing Studies.
By enrolling in this program, Latino students will receive scholarship assistance, bilingual advisement, and access to a myriad of services that Rider offers to adult students, such as career counseling or tutoring. We look forward to helping more Latino students realize the full potential of their lives.”
Zulma Torres ’09, a recent CCS graduate, concurs, “I loved being a part of the Rider experience,” she said. “I’ve learned a great deal about myself as an individual and a Latina. Since attending Rider, I’ve noticed my confidence has grown and I have a positive and professional outlook. It truly is the best thing I’ve done for myself.”
The creation of the Fomentamos Tu Futuro program is integral to the University’s mission of attracting talented and motivated students of diverse backgrounds, and the College of Continuing Studies has a long history of providing a top-tier Rider education to non-traditional learners.
“Fomentamos Tu Futuro is just another example of combing the individualized student support with excellent academics, the two hallmarks of CCS’ programs,” said Boris Vilic, dean of the College of Continuing Studies. “It is also an integral part of our commitment to diversity.”
To learn more about Fomentamos Tu Futuro, please visit www.rider.edu/ccs or call the College of Continuing Studies at 609-896-5033.
