Rutgers-Newark School of Criminal Justice undergraduate Emily Molina is the recipient of this year’s Fiserv Scholarship. This $2500 scholarship includes career modules to prepare students for internships and jobs, mentorship, and more.

The Fiserv + RU-N Program for Inclusive Innovation will create a center on campus in 2023 that will serve as a research and incubation space for the RU-N community and local businesses. It will provide annual scholarships for undergraduate students over a five-year time span, and support career modules to prepare students for internships and jobs.

Fiserv, Inc., a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology with a growing presence in New Jersey, is partnering with Rutgers University-Newark to create and fund a new program designed to drive diversity and innovation within the financial technology fields.

Emily’s story in her own words:

“Being a daughter of two Latino immigrant parents puts a lot of pressure at a young age. While some may feel overwhelmed, I felt motivated. I knew that I had to be the change for me and my family. I did what I know best, which is to work hard and excel in my education. My parents always wanted to further their own education but were unable to because of personal and systematic circumstances. Upon that realization, my education was no longer my own but my family’s as well. I was able to graduate from the County College of Morris with my associate’s degree debt-free due to my academic success, which was a blessing as I did not want my parents to face that financial burden. Now with my associate’s degree in hand, I had to figure out what was next. My academic advisor made me aware that I could obtain my bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University continuing at county college. Being a New Jersey resident, I knew about Rutgers since my adolescence. It was a dream school that once seemed an unrealistic target but that all changed when I received my acceptance letter. Fast forward three years later and I am now a senior at the university. I am eternally grateful to Rutgers University for creating the program they did at the County College of Morris allowing students, like myself, to further their education while making a small commute. It is a wonderful program, that is convenient for many walks of life. While my story is not unique, as many Latinos and Latinas have gone through similar struggles, it is possible. With support, motivation, and work ethic we can beat the odds against us. My hopes are to graduate in May of 2024 with my bachelor’s degree and pursue a career in the federal government. Thanks to the connections I have been able to make with my professors at Rutgers, I plan to be employed by The United States Capitol Police after graduation. The opportunities at Rutgers are limitless and I hope to be the voice of those who feel as if their goals are out of reach.”

Congratulations, Emily!