Educational Opportunity Fund

Dinelia Garland, MA
Director of EOF
Phone: 201-559-6057
Email: garlandd@felician.edu
Kelly Fronte
Administrative Assistant, EOF
Phone: 201-559-6054
Fax: 973-777-3728
Email: frontek@felician.edu
Carolyn Leonardi
EOF Counselor
Phone: 201-559-6167
Email: leonardic@felician.edu

What is EOF?

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund was created in 1968 to ensure meaningful access to higher education for those who come from backgrounds of economic and educational disadvantage. The EOF program is dedicated to empowering each student so they can thrive throughout their University years and beyond.

The Fund assists low-income New Jersey residents who are capable and motivated but lack adequate preparation for university study. EOF is distinctive in the comprehensiveness of its approach.

Undergraduate

To ensure the opportunity to attend college and to help cover the expenses for participants, EOF provides supplemental financial aid. Undergraduate grants range from $200 to $3,050 per year depending on college cost and financial need. EOF grants are renewable each year based upon satisfactory academic progress and continued eligibility.

The EOF Scholars Program is guided by a caring and professional staff that is prepared to assist in making your journey at Felician successful and fulfilling. You are supported academically through a wide array of campus-based support services including counseling, tutoring, meetings and workshops.

To be eligible for the Educational Opportunity Fund Program, a student must have demonstrated that he or she:

  • Is and has been a legal resident of the State of New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the grant;
  • Meets the financial aid criteria; (see State income guidelines )
  • Is or will be a full-time student as defined by the institution offering the undergraduate or graduate program of study;
  • Has not demonstrated a sufficient academic preparation to gain admission to an approved institution of higher education under its regular standards of admission (where available);
  • Whose standardized test scores are below the institutional norms;
  • Whose educational background indicates a need for improvement of basic skills;
  • Whose economic background reflects a history of poverty
Check Eligibility  

All incoming freshmen must attend a mandatory five-week summer program prior to their first year at university. The Summer Program is designed to strengthen student’s preparation for university level work and academic success. During the Summer Program, students review math, English and Critical Thinking skills. The purpose of the Summer Program is to acclimate the student to university life, along with brushing up on their basic skills. All incoming freshmen must successfully complete the EOF Summer Program before they can register for the fall semester. Summer Scholars have the opportunity to earn 6-college level credits by the end of the summer program.

Graduate

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance and support for a small graduate program. The objective of the graduate EOF program is to increase participation in graduate and professional study of New Jersey residents from backgrounds of historical poverty. Students who received EOF grants as undergraduates shall be given priority consideration for EOF graduate grants. These students are presumed to have met the financial eligibility criteria for graduate EOF as long as they continue to demonstrate financial need. Graduate grants range from $200 annually to $3,400. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility. Please email frontek@felician.edu for an EOF Graduate Application.

  1. Must demonstrate an educationally and economically disadvantaged background
  2. Must be a New Jersey resident 12 consecutive months prior to receiving the award
  3. Must be a full-time graduate student as defined by Felician University graduate programs.
  4. Must meet the financial eligibility criteria as defined     in the undergraduate section.
  5. Must be in a degree/certificate program with a minimum requirement of 24 equivalent semester hours and be at least one academic year in duration.

Transfer

If you are an EOF student that is transferring to Felician and would like to be considered for EOF you must have your previous college fill out an EOF Transfer form. (click here).

If you did not receive EOF at your previous college, please contact the EOF Office to inquire about eligibility.

New Jersey DREAM ACT

NJ DREAM ACT The New Jersey Tuition Equality Act The Law (Statute P.L. 2013, c.170), now in effect, allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to qualify for the in-state tuition rates at all of New Jersey’s public institutions of higher education.
The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid.

Complete this application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet all of the following criteria;

  • Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years
  • Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey
  • Registered for Selective Service (male students only)
  • Are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so
  • NJ Dreamers can complete the Alternative Financial Aid Application at: www.hesaa.org

Hear from our EOF Scholars

Male student sitting on a chair on campus
“I’m grateful for the opportunity the EOF program provided me. I’ve always seen EOF as an extension of family. Without being part of this amazing family, I would not have been attending college!”
Steven Ureña, Accounting, 2020 Graduate, Paterson, NJ
Mariely Ortiz-Gonzalez
“Graduating from high school, I thought I’d never find a school and a program that believed in me, believed in my story. EOF saw the best in me when I couldn’t see it for myself. The skills and values I acquired while being at Felician and EOF have guided me in my law enforcement career and my personal life as well.”
Mariely Ortiz-Gonzalez, Criminal Justice, 2020 Graduate, Hamilton, NJ