Ocean County College library and clocktower

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)

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.

Group photo of students

What the Educational Opportunity Fund Offers

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

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.

Twins with their medals posing with their parents.

Eligibility Criteria

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 successfully completed a NJ GEAR UP state project or NJ College Bound grant program

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)

Undergraduate Eligibility

Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background

Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award

Must apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university

Must meet the academic criteria as set by the institution of choice

Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

Gross income and assets must fall within the criteria shown:

Household SizeGROSS INCOME2023-2024ASSET CAP
2023-2024
GROSS INCOME 2024-2025ASSET 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 memberGROSS INCOME: Add $10,280 for each additional family member
ASSETS: Add $1,888 for each additional family memberASSETS: Add $2,056 for each additional family member

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

Funding Priorities

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 logo

EOF Newsletter – A Year In Review

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

Group of diverse students sitting in a group discussion in a classroom

New Students

Interested students are encouraged to complete an application. Once completed, schedule your interview. eof@ozone-1.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!

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

Find Your Advisor

Laura Rickards

Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2400
Emaillrickards@ozone-1.com

Michele Gioxaris

Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2340
Emailmgioxaris@ozone-1.com

Jordan Mabe

Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2981
Emailjmabe@ozone-1.com

Jennifer Olah

Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2950
Emailjolah@ozone-1.com

Honor Societies & Awards

Students at the EOF 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.

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@ozone-1.com

Michele Gioxaris, Assistant Director
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0400 ext. 2340
mgioxaris@ozone-1.com

Jordan Mabe, Recruiter / Advisor
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0400 ext. 2981
jmabe@ozone-1.com

Jennifer Olah, Office Coordinator
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0400 ext. 2950
jolah@ozone-1.com

Academic Coaches

Renee Gregory, Academic and Study Skills Coach
Educational Opportunity Fund
(732) 255-0311
rgregory@afeneisozone-1.com

Rochelle Blum, Academic Advisor
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0311
rblum@ozone-1.com

Jonas Weissbrod, Academic Coach
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0311
jweissbrod@ozone-1.com

Christine Cassidy, Academic Coach
Educational Opportunity Fund
732-255-0311
ccassidy@ozone-1.com

Contact the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)

* = required

Name(Required)
Address
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Photo of the outside of the library

EOF Office Information

Location:
Library Bldg. #3 – 1st Floor – Room 124

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Group of students holding a cake that says "I am EOF"

Office Contact Information

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)
1 College Drive, P.O. Box 2001
Toms River, NJ 08754

Phone: 732-255-0311
Email: eof@ozone-1.com