How was the EOF program established?

In the summer of 1967, Newark, NJ saw a rise in ethnic tensions due to a variety of circumstances including discrimination in government, police brutality, inadequate housing, unemployment, poverty, and a rapid change in the racial composition of neighborhoods.
The outrage of many citizens resulting in 6 days of rioting that ultimately brought attention to the challenges of living in severely socioeconomically and educationally disadvantaged areas.
In November 1967, in the aftermath of the previous summer’s riots in Newark, New Jersey’s newly-appointed Chancellor of Higher Education, Ralph A. Dungan, outlined a proposed program of special assistance to young men and women from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
The response from the academic community was overwhelmingly favorable and a commission was formed to address the need.
The Commissions findings resulted in the development of a broad range of programs to address the basic conditions that were determined contributed to the summers unrest.
Among those programs was the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), established by legislation sponsored by then – freshman legislator Thomas Kean.
More information on the history of the EOF program can be found at the New Jersey Department of Education EOF web site.

How do I qualify for EOF?

Qualification guidelines can be found on the “How Do I Qualify for EOF” Web page.

What documents will I have to provide to prove eligibility?

Click here to access the EOF Application Process Web page in which documentation is described in detail. (Please link to EOF Application Process page).

 Do I have to fill out the FAFSA every year?

All financial aid begins with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
For NJ Dreamers, begin the financial aid process with the completion of the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

Does withdrawing affect my EOF funding?

All withdrawals can potentially affect a student’s current and future financial aid.
Speak with your EOF Counselor before withdrawing from a class.

Will I still be in the EOF program when I transfer?

All EOF students should submit an EOF Transfer Form Request to our office.
This allows us to notify the school that you are transferring to, that you are a current EOF student and whether you have received funding.
In addition, all EOF students should contact the EOF Department of the school they are transferring to.
Please contact the EOF Office for the EOF Transfer Form Request form.

If I lose my EOF grant, am I still a part of the EOF program?

Loss of the EOF grant does not remove you from the EOF program if you have received EOF funding previously.
It may affect your ability to be eligible for certain financial resources, however.
Please speak with your EOF Counselor for more information.

Do I lose funding if I stop attending BCC?

If you stop attending for a semester or more, you are removed from the EOF roster, and thus your funding is removed.
If you return, you must contact the EOF office and advise them of your status.
You may then be added to the roster, pending funding eligibility.

What’s my responsibility as an EOF student?

Accepted applicants will sign and adhere to an EOF Student Contract agreeing to participate in the guidelines of the EOF grant. The contract is reviewed during the eligibility interview.
EOF student responsibilities include, but are not limited to, monthly meetings with your EOF Counselor, attendance of workshops, and tutoring as advised by your EOF Counselor, and other EOF activities.