Brookdale Community College Helps 120 Students Take Important Steps Toward College Affordability

Neptune High School’s Financial Fridays Connects Students with College Financial Aid Opportunities
Brookdale Community College helps 120 students take important steps toward college affordability

Brookdale Community College joined Neptune High School’s Financial Fridays program in October, helping approximately 120 students navigate the financial aid process, explore tuition-free community college opportunities and take important steps toward their educational futures.

As guest presenters, Brookdale’s Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) team conducted hands-on workshops to help students create their Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs and establish accounts through the New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS), administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). These essential steps help students prepare to apply for federal and state financial aid.

Students also learned about New Jersey’s Community College Opportunity Grant, which can cover remaining tuition and approved educational fees for eligible students attending participating New Jersey community colleges. The program is one of several state financial aid opportunities designed to make higher education more affordable.

“Many students and families are unaware of the financial aid opportunities available to them, and some assume college is simply out of reach,” said Jorge Terreros, director of CCOG Community Engagement at Brookdale Community College. “Our goal is to change that perception by providing students with the information, resources and personal guidance they need to move forward. Opportunities like Financial Fridays allow us to connect with students early, answer their questions, and show them that an affordable college education is possible.”

Neptune High School has made completing a financial aid application as part of its graduation requirements. Through Financial Fridays, the school provides students with dedicated opportunities to fulfill these requirements while gaining a better understanding of the financial resources available to support their education.

“Having Brookdale’s team work directly with our students makes a tremendous difference,” said Jamie Lynn Tuzeneu, school counselor at Neptune High School. “Navigating financial aid can be overwhelming for students and families. By providing hands-on assistance and introducing students to tuition-free college opportunities, we are helping them overcome barriers and take meaningful steps toward their future.”

During the event, 50 attendees submitted requests for additional financial aid assistance. Brookdale’s FAFSA Coaches will provide personalized follow-up support to help students complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application, ensuring they have continued guidance throughout the application process.

For students and families preparing for college, completing the appropriate financial aid application is an important first step toward identifying available grants, scholarships and other assistance. New Jersey’s Alternative Financial Aid Application also provides eligible students who cannot complete the FAFSA because of their immigration status with an opportunity to apply for state financial aid.

Students are encouraged to begin the process early, review application deadlines and seek guidance from their high school counselors or college financial aid offices. Even families who believe they may not qualify for assistance should explore their options, as eligibility varies among federal, state and institutional aid programs.

For more information about financial aid and tuition-free college opportunities, visit Brookdale Community College at brookdalecc.edu or the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority at hesaa.org.