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William Paterson University celebrated the inaugural recipients of its Paterson Promise scholarships on Saturday, August 8, during the 12th Annual College Sendoff hosted by the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) and Paterson Public Schools. The annual event recognized approximately 60 Paterson students preparing to attend colleges and universities across the country, many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college.
Through the Paterson Promise, William Paterson will award up to 10 students from the City of Paterson each year with scholarships covering full tuition and fees for four years at the University. The program builds on WP’s longstanding relationship with Paterson and its community partners, including NJCDC, while expanding access to higher education for students in the University’s neighboring city.
“The Paterson Promise reflects William Paterson University’s commitment to expanding educational opportunity for Paterson students,” said WP Vice President for Enrollment Management George F. Kacenga during the event in Paterson. “More than a scholarship, it is an investment in potential. As a Powerhouse of Progress, WP is committed to ensuring that talented students have access not only to a college education, but to the opportunities that follow.”
Six of the 10 annual Paterson Promise scholarships will be reserved for graduating seniors from Paterson Public Schools—including Eastside High School, International High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Rosa L. Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts, Paterson P-TECH, and Paterson STEAM High School. Additional scholarships will be available to qualified Paterson residents at large, including students attending charter or private schools.
Kacenga emphasized that the University’s commitment extends beyond providing access to a college education to preparing students for success after graduation, noting that 90 percent of WP’s Class of 2024 achieved positive career outcomes, a rate 7.4 percentage points higher than the current national average reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
The inaugural Paterson Promise scholarship recipients are:
The College Sendoff also included the presentation of more than $25,000 in additional scholarships from NJCDC, ranging from $500 to $2,500 each. Founded in 1994, NJCDC is a nonprofit community development and social service organization that supports more than 4,000 children, teens, and families in Paterson daily through programs focused on education, youth development, affordable and supportive housing, and community building.
