Ramapo Magazine

BD and CIT Scholars Program Launched

Photo BD Scholars President Scott joined in honoring three BD Scholars at February’s Scholarship Reception: Auslin Williams, Nyameame Collymore, and Carol Onyango.

Photo CIT Scholar Elsie Byers CIT Scholar Elsie Byers

Thanks to the vision of two area corporations, Ramapo College has launched a program to recruit and retain a larger number of promising minority students. The key word here is retain — the program includes a variety of programs designed to make sure these students are successful and graduate in four years.

Medical supplies manufacturer Becton Dickinson, known as BD (you probably have a BD thermometer in your medicine chest), and The CIT Group, the commercial and consumer finance leader, enthusiastically embraced the program. BD committed $300,000 to the project, and CIT $75,000.

“This program offers a tremendous opportunity for students,” says Janet Horowitz, CIT’s manager of Community Affairs. “CIT is committed to the accessibility of higher education for all, and these scholarships help us fulfill that goal.”

Sixteen students are enrolled as BD or CIT Scholars this year. BD and CIT Scholars participate in a summer orientation prior to their freshman year that prepares the students for college life. A member of the faculty/staff is paired with each student to answer questions about the College and serve as a mentor. Students have access to the myriad services of the College’s Educational Opportunity Fund and other programs, such as tutoring, study groups, career planning, and experiential learning.