Rider receives $75,000 grant from Santander Universities to support need-based scholarships

Rider University recently received a $75,000 grant from Santander Universities to support need-based scholarships for students majoring or minoring in entrepreneurial studies. Nineteen students were selected to receive the scholarships, including 10 students who are first-generation-to-college.

The scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000. In addition, $5,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the three winners of Rider’s next Collegiate Business Competition. The competition is designed to promote entrepreneurial spirit and to recognize and promote exceptional effort, skill and creativity among Rider’s undergraduate students. Because of the current public health crisis, this year’s competition was postponed.

“Santander is proud to have the opportunity to support these students as they advance their studies in entrepreneurship at Rider University,” said Seth Goodall, executive director, corporate social responsibility at Santander Bank. “Investing in education for the next generation, especially in students who are first generation college students, is a priority of Santander. We look forward to seeing these students impact their communities for years to come.”

Omar Perez Hernandez, Class of 2022, of Lakewood, N.J., was among the students selected to receive the scholarship. A first-generation college student, he is the first of five children in his family to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“Scholarship support gives relief to my family and me by reducing our financial burden,” says the sports management and entrepreneurial studies double major who recently completed a sales and service internship with The New York Red Bulls.

Kayelena Brimage, Class of 2023, of South River, N.J., says that in addition to easing tuition, the assistance has given her the drive to be better. “I think of a scholarship as an investment that will turn into something much greater in the future,” she says. She is studying entrepreneurial studies and business analytics.

The Santander Universities program was founded in 1996 as a means of advancing the Santander Group’s mission to contribute to the advancement of society through its support of higher education. It provides funding for teaching and research, international cooperation, knowledge and technology transfer, entrepreneurial initiatives, student exchange and innovation.

“We’re so excited and thankful for Santander’s support of our students,” says Lisa Teach, the director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Rider’s Norm Brodsky College of Business. “Their focus on education, entrepreneurship and employment underscores the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies’ mission to encourage an 'entrepreneurial mindset' in our students whether they plan to start a business or work for a growing company.”

At Rider, business majors may major in entrepreneurial studies by taking 18 credits specifically in entrepreneurial courses or minor in entrepreneurial studies by taking 12 credits. Individuals from other colleges and majors may also major or minor in entrepreneurial studies. Because of this, the annual College Business Competition is University-wide, giving students an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship no matter what their major might be.