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
- 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.
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 Size | GROSS INCOME2023-2024 | 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 |
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
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!
Additional Resources
Find Your Advisor
Laura Rickards
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2400
Email: lrickards@ozone-1.com
Michele Gioxaris
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2340
Email: mgioxaris@ozone-1.com
Jordan Mabe
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2981
Email: jmabe@ozone-1.com
Jennifer Olah
Phone: 732-255-0400 ext. 2950
Email: jolah@ozone-1.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.
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)
EOF Office Information
Location:
Library Bldg. #3 – 1st Floor – Room 124
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
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