Essex County College EOF Aid Program Is ‘Largest’ In New Jersey

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There’s still time to apply for a financial aid program at Essex County College that can save students hundreds of dollars per semester, administrators said Thursday.

According to college officials, the school’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program has enabled over 1,000 students annually to continue their education.

Established when the college opened its doors in 1968, the EOF program is for fulltime students receiving financial aid. Through EOF, students can receive another $625 per semester in support.

The EOF program receives funding support from the Office of the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education.

There is time for students to apply to the EOF program prior to the start of the fall 2020 semester on Aug. 31. To be eligible, students must be full-time, satisfy income verification and have been a New Jersey resident for at least one year.

Eligible students can contact EOF Director Joanna Romano at romano@essex.edu or EOF Eligibility Coordinator Michael Cresci at mcresci@essex.edu. Information is also available at (973) 877-3231.

“At times of financial crises such as now with the COVID-19 pandemic, the support our EOF program can provide students allows them to remain in college and work toward their goals and dreams,” said Elvy Vieira, dean of Community, Continuing Education & Workforce Development.

“We are very proud that our EOF program is the largest among all New Jersey community colleges,” President Augustine Boakye said.

Essex County College has campuses in Newark and West Caldwell.

• See related article: NJ Free Tuition Program Still Rolling At Essex County College

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