Rowan University and Glassboro Public Schools expand access and deepen university-district collaboration

GLASSBORO, N.J. — Rowan University and Glassboro Public School District (GPSD) today announced Pathways of Promise, a landmark partnership designed to elevate the school district and establish pathways from pre-kindergarten all the way to University and workforce development programs.

The new agreement formalizes a long‑term collaboration that features dual‑credit coursework, professional development, research opportunities and shared services between Rowan and the district’s four schools. In addition to supporting PK‑12 instruction and strengthening the regional workforce pipeline, Pathways of Promise will improve access to higher education for district families through tuition assistance and guaranteed admission opportunities for eligible Glassboro High School graduates.

And this is just the beginning,” Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand said. “Through this partnership, we are going to serve as a model for other school districts in our state. We’re going to keep more of our best and brightest high school graduates here in New Jersey, instead of sending them to other universities in other states.”

More pathways, more advantages 

Glassboro High School will strengthen its existing academies and create more programs aligned with Rowan’s academic options and the region’s workforce needs in STEM, business, education, arts, and career and technical education. Students will benefit from college-level coursework, dual enrollment and experiential learning opportunities supported by both institutions.

“Dual enrollment will give Glassboro students an advantage financially and educationally,” said Voki Pophristic, Ph.D., Rowan University provost. “There are already Glassboro students graduating with a semester or more of college credits earned at a discount as part of their high school program. Our new partnership will broaden access to even more academic opportunities.”

At the core of the partnership is a districtwide demonstration‑school model in which Rowan faculty and graduate students collaborate with GPSD educators on research, professional development and implementing cutting edge best practices in education. This level of deep collaboration provides continuity and support to students at each step of their academic journey.

Other elements of the agreement:

• A portion of Glassboro Pre-K students will attend a new, on-campus preschool located in Herman D. James Hall, home to the University’s College of Education. GPSD will lease the space using NJDOE Preschool Expansion Act funding.
• There will be an advising center within Glassboro High School where students and families can engage with Rowan and GHS staff about aspects of the partnership.

Speaking at the partnership ceremony, GPSD Superintendent Al Lewis, Ed.D. emphasized the transformational impact of the initiative for families across the borough.

“At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to continuous improvement,” Lewis said. “Together, we are ensuring that college and career training are not just aspirations for Glassboro families, but realistic and achievable outcomes.”

Rowan University and GPSD will form a joint advisory council to oversee implementation, monitor outcomes and report on student achievement, enrollment growth, teacher development and community impact.

“Pathways of Promise is a tiered partnership model Rowan may enter into with other interested school districts,” Pophistric said.  “Glassboro Public School District, in this case, is a premier partner given the level of collaboration and our history of working so closely together. Other partnerships may look differently, but all will focus on improving student outcomes.”

Proud Partners

Rowan University, the fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast, is regularly ranked among the top 100 public research institutions in the nation. The University serves nearly 25,000 students in 216 degree programs, including three medical schools.

Glassboro Public School District has nearly 2,000 students enrolled among four schools: J. Harvey Rodgers School, Dorothy L. Bullock School, Thomas E. Bowe Middle School and Glassboro High School. Its high school is directly across the street from the University, encouraging collaboration between the institution and opportunities for students over the years.