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Scarlet First
Aramis Gutierrez and Tania Tabora

About Us 

The Educational Equity and Excellence Collaborative (E3C) facilitates an eco-system that is committed to successful outcomes for first-generation students and students from modest-income households. Originally funded in part by a U.S. Department of Education grant, the Collaborative is poised to strengthen and expand strategic partnerships with K–12 and higher education allies across the state—amplifying impact and driving lasting educational change.

The E3C supports innovative pre-college access and student success programs across Rutgers by creating opportunities to build capacity and strengthen collaboration. It establishes a clearinghouse of resources for students, families, and educators, shares best practices through symposiums and innovation labs, and advances cutting-edge research. The E3C Innovation Grant incentivizes faculty and staff to develop strategies that enhance access and success for first-generation students and those from modest-income households. Additionally, the E3C amplifies Rutgers’ enduring story of opportunity and excellence, engaging prospective educational and philanthropic partners.

Our History

Rutgers University prides itself on both the relentless pursuit of academic excellence and a longstanding commitment to social mobility. We strongly believe that Rutgers can compete academically with the most preeminent universities in the nation. In many disciplines, in fact, we are already at or near the top. We also recognize that our public mission demands identifying and educating students who come from limited means or who are the first in their family to attend college. 

 

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Our Purpose: Unlocking Potential

Rutgers empowers students of limited means and unlimited potential by building pathways to success. We shape a supportive ecosystem, forge partnerships with schools and colleges, share proven strategies, provide essential resources, drive new research, and fund innovative efforts to expand access and opportunity.

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