Educational Opportunity Fund

Prospective program participants must be first-time, full-time freshmen and meet the following requirements:

• Be a New Jersey Resident (min 1 year) and be a Citizen or Permanent Resident;
• Be a recipient of a High School Diploma, GED, or High School Equivalent (HSE);
• Intend to be a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits)
• Provide evidence of motivation and potential to succeed in college

EOF Support Services

• Attend a FREE Summer Bridge Program, designed to help prospective EOF students boost English and math skills.
• Attend the mandatory Orientation and meet other EOF students.
• Benefit from individualized and group academic, career and financial counseling.
• Access Tutoring Labs for additional help.
• Attend required workshops on academic success skills, managing your time, test-taking strategies, leadership development, and other topics.

Students will also be eligible to become a part of the many national honor societies offered at the College.

Space in the Sussex EOF Program is limited and on a first-come, first served basis. All EOF applicants are pre-screened to establish their eligibility for the program. The EOF Program Staff will contact students who pass the initial review process for an interview.

1. Log into your my.sussex student portal, choose the student tab and apply for EOF funding.

2. Complete a FAFSA Application by NJ HESAA’s deadline, online. The Sussex School Code is 025688.

If you are a New Jersey Dreamer, you must complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application ONLY

3. Submit a completed and signed EOF Program Application

Include a typed essay responding to the following topic: Describe an academic or personal obstacle you had to overcome in the past and how a college education will benefit in the future.

4. Submit the following documents with your Application:

• 2016, 2017 and 2018 Source of Income of Student, Parent/Legal Guardian
  A signed copy of Federal Tax Returns and Official IRS Tax Return Transcript for verification which can be requested free from www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
• 2019-2020 Student Aid Report (SAR) (https://fafsa.ed.gov/help/eSAR01.htm)
• Letter of Reference on letterhead from a professional such as a teacher, guidance counselor, employer, or community representative
• If income was not reported for 2017 and 2018, parent/legal guardian and the student might be required to submit any of the following:
  • Yearly benefits total for 2016, 2017 and 2018 (i.e., SSI, Welfare, Disability, Unemployment, etc.)
  • Proof of non-filing of 2016, 2017 and 2018 Tax Return from IRS
  • See above for ordering a tax return transcript

5. Submit copies of the following:

• High School Diploma/GED Diploma
• High School Transcript
• Photo ID
• Social Security Card
• Resident Alien Card (if applicable)

For more information, contact the
EOF Program Coordinator
eof@sussex.edu or call 973-300-2347