Apply Now
Admissions Academics Campus Life Community Student Support About Sussex

Educational Opportunity Fund

Educational Opportunity Fund Logo

The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program advances college access, affordability and student success for underrepresented scholars in New Jersey. The EOF program was established by the New Jersey State Legislature to provide support services to students who face economical and educational obstacles. Let the EOF program assist you from application to graduation.

 

EOF Information

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

2022-2023 EOF Income Eligibility Scale with Asset Cap Calculation

Applicants with a Household Size of

Gross Income (Not to Exceed)

Max. Asset Cap (Not to Exceed)

1

$25,760

$5,152

2

$34,840

$6,968

3

$43,920

$8,784

4

$53,000

$10,600

5

$62,080

$12,416

6

$71,160

$14,232

7

$80,240

$16,048

8

$89,320

$17,864

8+

Add $9,080 for each additional family member

Add $1,816 for each additional family member

 

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.

To be considered, applicants must complete the following steps by June 30, 2022:

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.

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:

  • 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Source of Income of Student, Parent/Legal Guardian
    • Signed copy of Federal Tax Returns and Official IRS Tax Return Transcript for verification can be requested free.
  • 2022-2023 Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • Letter of Reference (on letterhead) from a professional such as a teacher, guidance counselor, employer, or
    community representative
  • If income was not reported for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, Parent/Legal Guardian and/or Student may be required
    to submit any of the following:
    • Yearly benefits total for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 (i.e. SSI, Welfare, Disability, Unemployment, etc.)
    • Proof of non-filing of 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 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)

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program at Sussex County Community College is to facilitate the recruitment, enrollment, and success of culturally diverse, economically and educationally disadvantaged students who have a passion and desire to continue their educational journey. We aim to assist these students in developing an understanding of how their challenges reflect a unique and valued perspective as part of the larger diverse student community.