What Is the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program?

For over 40 years, the EOF program has provided students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds an opportunity to pursue a college degree. Created by statute in 1968, EOF has provided academic, financial, and social support to thousands of EOF students. EOF has been an integral part of Hudson County Community College (HCCC) since the late 1970's. The Program is geared toward students who:

• Have the potential to do college level work
• Were academically under-prepared in high school
• Have a history of financial disadvantage

Mission Statement

The Educational Opportunity Fund, in support of the mission of Hudson County Community College, is a program that provides access to higher education to students who are highly motivated and capable, but come from a financially and academically disadvantaged background. The program seeks to assist students of all types of backgrounds and educational goals, which in itself mirrors the diverse and unique population of Hudson County Community College.

The EOF Program will help students ease into the transition of being a college student while providing services that will help in the persistence and graduation of our students. Our services place an emphasis on providing counseling and academic support services which addresses the unique problems, issues, needs and desires of the students from a high distressed urban school district. We provide a variety of services including tutorial services, supplemental instruction, workshops as well as cultural and social events. We work in conjunction with many of the departments on campus to ensure that students are properly informed and receive the maximum benefit of being a Hudson County Community College student.

What services are offered to HCCC EOF students?

EOF is a program that is dedicated to ensuring in school academic success. Our dedicated team of counselors, professors, and tutors work closely with EOF students to assist them in earning their college degrees. EOF students receive the following support services:

• Academic Advisement, Counseling and Tutoring
• Head start on college by attending our five-week pre-college summer program
• Workshops, Cultural Trips and Activities specifically for EOF students
• Class registration from their personal EOF Counselor
• Mentoring from Experienced EOF students
• Career Advisement and guidance on transferring to four-year colleges
• Financial Assistance, which ranges from $263 - $1,050 a year
• The opportunity to transfer into EOF at future four-year NJ Institutions

Who is eligible for the EOF program?

In order to be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:

• Be a full-time (enrolled in at least 12 credits) student from an educationally and/or economically disadvantaged background
• Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 if they are a current HCCC student
• If an ESL student, be a Level IV or higher in all ESL classes
• Have been a New Jersey resident for at least one year
• Meet the financial eligibility requirements as defined by the State of New Jersey
• Complete the FAFSA form and provide income documentation as needed to verify financial eligibility
• Complete EOF Application and schedule an interview with an EOF counselor

How do I apply to for the EOF program?

Students who wish to apply to the EOF program should:

• Complete an HCCC application for admissions
• File a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the academic year for which you are applying. Students can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Contact the EOF program for an EOF application or click here to download an application
• Submit the completed application with requested documentation to the EOF office
• Be interviewed by an EOF staff member, who will notify the student of his/her eligibility and acceptance status

Hours of Operation

Academic Year

• Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Summer Hours (beginning the week of May 18)

• Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Friday: COLLEGE CLOSED

EOF is not a financial aid entitlement. The EOF staff at Hudson County Community College reserves the right to be selective regarding participants in the program. Students will not be considered until all requested information has been received. All applications will be reviewed by the EOF staff after the interview has taken place. Students will be selected based on counselor recommendations, financial eligibility verification and overall program space availability.

Educational Opportunity Fund 
Building "B" (25 Journal Square), Room B315, 3rd Floor
Office Phone: (201) 360-4180
Fax: (201) 714-7118
Email: eof@hccc.edu 
EOF State web site: www.nj.gov/highereducation/EOF