Knowledge is power.

This philosophy has been echoed throughout generations. Yet, despite its longevity, to this day, the sentiment holds. A solid education gives individuals the skills they need to succeed professionally and beyond. However, for those who struggle to access higher education and other educational resources, those same fantastic opportunities may be withheld. To help address these disparities, initiatives like the Educational Opportunity Fund have been established to negate inequities and make continued education feasible for those who may not otherwise have access to such resources.

Through February 23rd, 2023, Mercer County Community College will accept applications for its Educational Opportunity Fund program. To be eligible for the program, students must be taking at least 12 credits at the college and fall within the income requirements. Undergraduate students are eligible for $200-$3,050 annually, depending upon the type of institution and need. Applicants must be low-income, first-generation college students who demonstrate a potential for and commitment to higher education. To see if you’re eligible for the program, please get in touch with EOF Intake Specialist Anna Samayoa at samayoaa@mccc.edu.

As a part of the program, students can enjoy a variety of benefits and resources, including:

  • Academic advising
  • Financial aid advising
  • Tutoring
  • Leadership development
  • Identity development
  • Cultural activities
  • Grants up to $800

The EOF was established to foster and develop the academic and social success of the students who benefit from the program. Throughout the year, Mercer’s EOF offers programs, activities, and practices that aid in encouraging a student’s progress. Some of the available programs at MCCC include a First-Year Experience program, which offers students an Entering Student Assessment, access to peer mentoring, and the Pre-Freshman Summer Academy. These programs allow students to fully immerse themselves in the college experience and take advantage of all the opportunities their educational institution offers.

The Educational Opportunity Fund was created in 1976 in the wake of riots in Newark, NJ. At the time, the Chancellor of Higher Education, Ralph Dungan, outlined a proposal to higher learning institutions through which economically and educationally disadvantaged groups would have access to special assistance. The following winter, Governor Richard Hughes called for the establishment of various programs to address many of the conditions linked to the previous summer’s turmoil. Since this memorandum was issued, the Educational Opportunity Fund has served students throughout the Garden State.

Through EOF programs, students across New Jersey can access various remediation, retention, and support services to enrich their college careers. Providing these additional resources offers students from disadvantaged backgrounds the tools necessary to thrive in academia and beyond. Moreover, the Educational Opportunity Fund empowers colleges to retain a more culturally diverse atmosphere, benefitting all students.

If you or a student could benefit from this program, please contact the EOF office at Mercer County Community College for additional details. If you have any questions, contact MCCC at (609) 570-3423; their team would be happy to help. Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators, so seize this opportunity for continued education and growth.

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