SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The First Baptist Church of South Orange has signed a partnership with Pillar College, a Christian-based institution based in Newark, to offer its Life Enhancing Accelerated Degree program at the South Orange church, with classes commencing in September of 2018.
The LEAD program offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree full-time in as little as 20 months, taking one class at a time, just one night a week. A series of information sessions introducing the public to the program will be offered at the South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road in South Orange, on Thursday, April 26, and Thursday, May 31; both programs begin at 7 p.m.
Students who are accepted into the LEAD program have the potential to earn credit for non-academic life experiences that are equivalent to college-level learning through a portfolio assessment. This may translate into as many as 30 credits for prior learning, meaning a student could save up to one year’s tuition and classroom time. The LEAD program is ideal for working students and adult learners as it’s tailored to meet their busy schedules.
Classes will be taught by the Rev. Terry Richardson, the church’s spiritual leader for the past 21 years.
“We are excited to bring our popular LEAD program to the residents South Orange, Maplewood and other nearby communities,” Pillar College President David Schroeder said in a press release. “We realize that many adults are passionate about finally achieving a college degree, they just need the ability to have a program that fits into their lifestyle. We’re proud to be that program!”
Registration for the information sessions is required. To reserve a seat, contact Sharronda Harrell at 862-367-2790. For more information about the LEAD program, visit https://pillar.edu.