Jennifer Welwood, a native of Medford, New Jersey, lacked access to proper guidance and financial resources, preventing her from understanding the importance of higher education.

Upon completing her high school studies, she worked at a standard job. However, she soon realized that this position was unlikely to offer her the growth she needed to achieve her goals and reach her desired destination. “Ultimately, I wanted better for myself, and getting a degree was the only option, no matter where or in what.”

The Criminal Justice program at Rowan College at Burlington County blends professional law enforcement experience, the compassion of social services and classroom theory to give students a thorough understanding of the scenarios they will face in their future careers.

Marilyn Bozarth, a Southampton resident, started her college journey much like many others, filled with both excitement and trepidation. Through all four years, she pushed through to achieve her dream of finding a job in which she can help people every day.

In 2021, she was one of the first 3+1 graduates at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), the first-generation graduate of her biological family and the first granddaughter graduate of her adopted family.

Carly Gels, an RCBC student majoring in music and scheduled to graduate in spring 2025, never saw herself attending college due to her disability. 

In 2015, Gels was diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These conditions made it challenging to concentrate and learn in traditional classroom settings. As a result, Gels’ parents opted to enroll her in an alternative school close to RCBC, which prioritized hands-on learning. Fortunately, due to its proximity, Gels could visit the RCBC campus frequently on walks or during her free time.