skip to main content
Search
Search Button

    Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)

    Apply Now

    What is EOF?

    The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) is a state-funded program designed to provide academic and financial support to students economically and educationally affected by a history of poverty. EOF supports students who are capable and motivated, but who may lack adequate preparation for college, and/or may be the first in their families to attend college.

    Our Mission

    To provide access to higher education

    Students are evaluated for admission based on state financial criteria, including a history of poverty, academic readiness, potential, and motivation. An interview is required.

    We recommend students register full-time (12 credits or more), as limited part-time opportunities exist. Applicants must also complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.

    What the Educational Opportunity Fund Offers

    • A community of like learners
    • Comprehensive service and support
    • Private academic coaching
    • Academic advising
    • A financial grant
    • Continued eligibility at NJ senior institutions

    You May Be Eligible

    • Are you the first in your family to attend college?
    • Do you or your family have a low annual income?
    • Do you or your family participate in a government assistance program?
    • Will you register for 12 or more credits?
    • Have you registered for ENGL 151/098, MATH 023 or MATH 161/165?
    • Are you eligible for PELL, TAG, or CCOG grants?

    All are welcome to apply, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.  EOF enrollment is determined by state funding, apply early.

    This is a summary of identified eligibility for EOF. Additionally, applicants must have income that falls within the EOF Income Eligibility Scale.                                                                                                     

    History of Poverty

    Long-term, documented economic hardship, no accumulation of assets, inability to provide more than the basic needs, demonstrated by one of the following:

    • Having attended or graduated from a school district where 40% or more of the enrolled students meet the eligibility criteria for the free/reduced-price lunch program
    • Having resided in a municipality that is a high-distress/labor surplus area, or is considered an eligible urban aid municipality
    • Having resided in an area that historically has been populated by low-income families; such an area, commonly called a “pocket of poverty,” has characteristics of a high-distress/labor surplus area, even if the municipality is not formally so identified
    • Being a first-generation college student who is, or whose family is, eligible for government assistance and/or educational programs targeted toward low-income and disadvantaged populations (TRIO programs, free and reduced breakfast/lunch programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamps)
    • Having successfully completed a NJ GEAR UP state project or NJ College Bound grant program
    1. Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
    2. Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
    3. Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university
    4. Must meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of choice
    5. Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
    6. Gross income and assets must fall within the criteria shown:

    Household Size

    GROSS INCOME

    2023-2024

    ASSET CAP
    2023-2024

    GROSS INCOME

     2024-2025

    ASSET CAP
    2024-2025

    1

    $27,180

    $5,436

    $29,160

    $5,832

    2

    $36,620

    $7,324

    $39,440

    $7,888

    3

    $46,060

    $9,212

    $49,720

    $9,944

    4

    $55,500

    $11,100

    $60,000

    $12,000

    5

    $64,940

    $12,988

    $70,280

    $14,056

    6

    $74,380

    $14,876

    $80,560

    $16,112

    7

    $83,820

    $16,764

    $90,840

    $18,168

    8

    $93,260

    $18,652

    $101,120

    $20,224

    ***

    GROSS INCOME: Add $9,440 for each additional family member

    GROSS INCOME: Add $10,280 for each additional family member

    ASSETS: Add $1,888 for each additional family member

    ASSETS: Add $2,056 for each additional family member

    http://www.nj.gov/highereducation/EOF/EOF_Eligibility.shtml

    Anyone who believes that they may be eligible for EOF is welcome to apply. Our service priorities are as follows:

    Renewal students who were funded during the previous academic year.

    First-time, full-time freshmen  

    Students that have earned 24 or more college credits while in high school or who participated in a dual enrollment program and have earned an associate’s degree as part of their high school graduation requirements and have no prior history of EOF funding support.

    EOF transfer students who received an EOF student grant at their previous institution, in the preceding academic year.

    Renewal students readmitted or returning who did not receive funding the prior academic year.

    Eligible students who do not fall into any of the other four categories listed above.

    Waiting List – A waiting list will be established if funds are exhausted before the last date of the grant-awarding period. The waiting list will be in effect until the last day of the spring award cycle.

    FAQ

    EOF is an academic support program that makes access to college possible with funding and guidance to students who have grown up in poverty.

    If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may be eligible:

    • Are you the first in your family to attend college?
    • Do you or your family have a low annual income?
    • Do you or your family participate in a government assistance program?
    • Will you register for 12 or more credits?
    • Have you registered for ENGL 151/098, MATH 023, or MATH 161/165?
    • Are you eligible for PELL, TAG, or CCOG grants?

    YES. EOF will be listed among other financial aid awards. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to continue eligibility for federal and state aid like EOF.

    We seek motivated students with potential, interest, and the ability to partner with an advisor. The interview is important in making admission decisions. It offers EOF an opportunity to get to know applicants and determine if EOF is a good match, and allows applicants to be informed and make an active choice in accepting an offer.

    We follow state regulations documenting financial need and review each application with attention, and care. EOF is not an entitlement program – eligibility does not always result in acceptance or an award.

    The interview helps us to review your eligibility. It is a chance for us to meet one-on-one and begin relationship-building. Working together with an EOF advisor is  the cornerstone of the work we do.

    The interview is from 45 to 60 minutes long. We ask a series of questions. All you need to do is be yourself. We suggest you use the interview to determine if EOF is a good match for you. Does our program support your goals and objectives? Can EOF help you earn your degree? Ask us how we can help.

    We are pleased to also offer WebEx videos during this time of social distancing.

    NO. As long as you remain enrolled from semester to semester, you do not have to reapply. However, you must complete a FAFSA each year to maintain EOF eligibility.

    If eligible at 365球赛平台, you may be EOF eligible at a senior institution. We recommend you check with that institution regarding their admission process. Additionally, you may need to complete an EOF application, interview, etc. This link identifies participating institutions and contact information: http://www.nj.gov/highereducation/EOF/EOF_Eligibility.shtml

    Senior institutions will require a Transfer Form. That form identifies you as an EOF recipient and places you higher on the priority funding framework. Once you have completed our exiting process, we will send a transfer form to that institution with a copy to you.

    No. Grants are a form of free monies and do not require repayment.

    EOF is a vibrant community. We require academic coaching, meeting with your advisor, and being engaged on campus. We want you to grow as a scholar and as an individual. We want you to embrace the concept of lifelong learning.

    A course shell in Ocean Connect lists all program requirements. Upon acknowledgment of acceptance, permission to access the course is provided.

    EOF Newsletter – A Year In Review

    Enjoy our EOF newsletter that celebrates who we are, commending our accomplishments and successes.

    View Our Newsletter

    New Students

    If you have completed an application and wish to interview, contact us today at: eof@bwjixie.com.

    Interested students are encouraged to complete an application. Once completed, schedule your interview. eof@bwjixie.com

    We offer interviews in person and through WebEx. We want to meet you. We encourage you to get to know us too.

    *A Note about interviewing for EOF: Interviews in our new season of social distancing are also offered through WebEx. We want to meet you! We encourage you to take an opportunity to get to know us too!

    Apply for Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

    Current EOF Students

    Throughout your time with EOF, you will receive individualized guidance and support, maximizing opportunities for success and learning.
    EOF requires your presence and engagement. Review the EOF@OCEAN program requirements below.

    Requirements

    • Complete your FAFSA annually
    • Utilize academic coaching regularly
    • Check EOF Canvas often – stay in the know

    Canvas Description

    The EOF Canvas Shell looks just like a traditional course shell. ALL the requirements and activities you should be engaged in during your time at EOF are organized by credit hour and semester to guide you toward your Associate’s Degree.
    In Announcements, we share the latest news about EOF and program happenings. You can reach out to academic coaches, advisors, and peers. You can upload documents and find any EOF document needed. Use this as another tool for your success – stay connected!

    Canvas log-in

    Additional Resources

    NJ DREAM Act allows undocumented college students to pay in-state tuition rates. To request exemption from Nonresident Tuition and Fees, charged to non-New Jersey residents, students must complete, sign and submit the Application for In-State Tuition form via mail or bring the completed form with your high school transcript to Registration and Records, Ocean County College, College Drive, PO Box 2001, Toms River, NJ 08754-2001

    Dreamer Affidavit

    Alternative Financial Aid for NJ Dreamers

    Dreamer FAQ’s

    Documentation of ALL household income both taxable and non-taxable is required. Only tax transcripts from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are accepted. Whether you worked and filed, worked and did not file, or were not employed, official documentation from IRS is required.

    ID.me is a way you can register and identify yourself once and then access Veterans Association, Social Security, and IRS documents. See http://www.id.me/government.

    ID.me is a digital identification platform. A one-time identification allows users to create a profile, account to access government information.

    It provides a TWO-FACTOR IDENTIFICATION (2FA)

    • Protects user identification
    • Authenticates you as the owner of the account
    • By telephone or by text
    • Verify identity
      • Driver’s License
      • Passport
      • Questions
    • Consent to share information with partner agencies

    To create an ID.ME ACCOUNT

    • Email
    • Create password
    • Accept Terms of Service
    • Subscribe to Offers (if desired) OR Sign-in
      • Facebook
      • Google
    • DS Logon
      • Health Vet
      • LinkedIn

    Once the account is created you will be able to retrieve from these entities, the following:

    FROM IRS

    •  Refund Status
    •  Tax Records
    • Apply for ITIN

    Find Your Advisor

    Laura Rickards

    Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2400
    Email: lrickards@bwjixie.com

    Michele Gioxaris

    Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2340
    Email: mgioxaris@bwjixie.com

    Jordan Mabe

    Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2981
    Email: jmabe@bwjixie.com

    Jennifer Olah

    Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2950
    Email: jolah@bwjixie.com

    Honor Societies & Awards

    EOF State Graduate Achievement Awards

    Each year graduating EOF students are recognized by the EOF Board of Directors and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. To students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement during their college careers.

    Name GPA & Honors / Distinctions
    Melissa Amador 3.833 – Outstanding Academic Achievement
    Victoria Crespo 3.278 – Academic Achievement
    Eli Goldman 3.887 – Outstanding Academic Achievement
    Pedro Higueros 3.83 – Outstanding Academic Achievement
    Ruben Higueros 3.894 – Outstanding Academic Achievement
    Trudy Ann Jackson 3.25 – Academic Achievement
    Kayla Livolsi 3.875 – Outstanding Academic Achievement
    David Morris 3.75 – Outstanding Academic Achievement
    Abigail Neri Bruno 3.775- Outstanding Academic Achievement
    Cody Parrish 2.992 – Outstanding Achievement
    Isabella Pena 3.417 – Academic Achievement
    Sadain Siddique 3.867 – Outstanding Academic Achievement
    Ian Wheatle 3.727 – Outstanding Academic Achievement

    Melissa Amador                                                Victoria Crespo                                 Shana-Kay Earl-Smith

    Jaysen Emmons                                                Mariam Ghobrial                              Eli Goldman

    Pedro Higueros                                                 Ruben Higueros                                Trudy Ann Jackson

    Kayla Livolsi                                                        David Morris                                    Abigail Neri Bruno

    Ericka Olsen                                                       Cody Parrish                                      Nichole Paternostro

    Isabella Pena                                                      Sadain Siddique                                Karina Watson

    Ian Wheatle                                                       Arianna Young

    Staff

    Laura F. Rickards, Director
    Educational Opportunity Fund & The Center for Access and Equity
    Tikkun Olam ~ Repairing the World
    732-255-0400 ext. 2400
    lrickards@bwjixie.com

    Michele Gioxaris, Assistant Director
    Educational Opportunity Fund
    732-255-0400 ext. 2340
    mgioxaris@bwjixie.com

    Jordan Mabe, Recruiter / Advisor
    Educational Opportunity Fund
    732-255-0400 ext. 2981
    jmabe@bwjixie.com

    Jennifer Olah, Office Coordinator
    Educational Opportunity Fund
    732-255-0400 ext. 2950
    jolah@bwjixie.com

    Academic Coaches

    Renee Gregory, Academic and Study Skills Coach
    Educational Opportunity Fund
    (732) 255-0311
    rgregory@bwjixie.com

    Jonas Weissbrod, Academic Coach
    Educational Opportunity Fund
    732-255-0311
    jweissbrod@bwjixie.com

    Rochelle Blum, Academic Advisor
    Educational Opportunity Fund
    732-255-0311
    rblum@bwjixie.com

    Christine Cassidy, Academic Coach
    Educational Opportunity Fund
    732-255-0311
    ccassidy@bwjixie.com

    Contact the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
    Address
    Text Link