New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Celebrates 50 Years

Brookdale Community College’s Ongoing Partnership Provides Student Support and Services

Established in 1968, EOF remains as vibrant as ever at the half century mark, providing a pathway for thousands of first-generation students annually to earn their college degrees.

“Our partnership with New Jersey’s EOF program plays an important role in achieving our mission to provide access to an affordable, high quality college education that opens opportunities for underserved populations,” said Brookdale President David Stout.

Since EOF’s inception, more than 42,000 students statewide earned their degree with an annual enrollment today of more than 12,000 students in 62 programs at two- and four-year institutions. EOF provides academic guidance and support services, including counseling and supplemental instruction.

“Brookdale’s EOF students are among our best students, contributing to campus life in the classroom and the community,” said Brookdale EOF Director Richard Morales-Wright. “Our staff works closely with our students to help them succeed academically and to prepare for the next step in their careers.”

Brookdale and EOF have evolved together, with Brookdale admitting its first class of students in 1969. Enrollment in the EOF program on campus exceeds 400 students for the 2018-2019 academic year.

In November, Brookdale’s EOF program is sponsoring several events on campus and at other locations to mark the milestone. For more information, contact Catherine Cutlip, student services associate, at ccutlip@brookdalecc.edu. To learn more about the EOF program at Brookdale, please visit www.brookdalecc.edu/eof.

In 1968, then Assemblyman (and later Governor) Thomas H. Kean promoted EOF’s creation. Established by legislation in that year, the statewide EOF program and its host institutions provide low-income first generation students a comprehensive set of support services to support degree completion. These include a college preparatory summer program for new first-time fall entry college students, as well as school year activities including academic advisement, personal counseling, learning support, financial literacy and life skill management, student leadership, achievement recognition, career development, and preparation for transfer to four-year colleges. In addition, based on eligibility, each year students may receive an EOF state grant to help them manage their college costs and special funding for a variety of educational and career–related activities.