Suzanne Carbonaro

Laura Poncharik puts her children to bed and then begins her research for her history project. Before she hands in her project to her professor, she stops by the Dean of Education’s suite to make a donation to the United Way. After counting the candy kisses in the jar, she formulates her guess, makes her donation and rushes off to class. Never did she guess that her guess would be the right one! Laura’s kindness contributed to teaching, learning and mentoring projects across New Jersey through the United Way.

This week Rider University’s School of Education ended its two week United Way Campaign, Kisses for Education. Sweet chocolate and a gift certificate to Chambers Walk Cafe enticed Rider University participants to join the fight for education. Besides faculty and staff contributing to the university-wide United Way event, the School of Education launched its own fundraising effort through the dean’s office.

“Having an education today unlocks the doors of poverty and gives kids an opportunity to realize their dreams. Here at Rider University, we are proud to be a part of the United Way efforts by partnering with the Trenton Leadership and Mentoring Project. Our Kisses for Education event not only raised money for the United Way, but opened our students’ eyes to necessity of supporting youth education programs” said Dr. Sharon Sherman, dean of the School of Education.

The event raised additional funds to support the mentoring efforts of Trenton Leadership and Mentoring Project with lead agency Big Brothers Big Sisters and three partners, Princeton Center for Leadership Training, Princeton-Blairstown Center and Leadership Trenton. Rider University’s School of Education will be collaborating with the agencies through its Urban Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Teacher Academy this summer. The program will offer training for students in urban schools who want to teach in the high need disciplines of math and science.

“As an adult undergraduate secondary education and history major, I hope I can empower other students to realize their dreams and give back to their community by supporting agencies like the United Way” said Laura Poncharik.

To learn more about Rider University education programs and other events, visit us at www.rider.edu.