Galloway, NJ -  More local students will have the opportunity to participate in Stockton University’s Educational Opportunity Fund program under a new EOF-AC program approved by the state EOF Board at its meeting at Rider University in Lawrenceville Friday.

 Stockton’s new EOF-AC program will accept up to 50 students, and will be housed primarily in Stockton’s new Atlantic City campus, which will open in the fall of 2018.

Student recruitment is statewide, but will focus heavily on Atlantic City and Pleasantville. An effort will also be made to reach students who are aging out of foster care and need additional support to attend college.

The EOF program was established by the state of New Jersey to provide assistance in attending college to promising young men and women from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. The program provides some financial aid, but also ongoing mentoring and academic support to help students succeed and become leaders in their communities.

 “This is more than hard work, this is heart work,” Maralyn Mason, director of Stockton’s EOF program, said in thanking the EOF board for the approval.

 Stockton’s EOF program draws on a vision of Dignity, Intensity and Pride that seeks to help students become civic-minded and productive citizens and leaders.

 Stockton President Harvey Kesselman, who directed Stockton’s EOF program in the early 1980s, said he is proud and excited that Stockton can now offer the EOF program to more local students. 

 “The new EOF-AC program will be a gateway to opportunity for the young people who will be our region’s future leaders,” Kesselman said.  “Our EOF students enrich our campus and we look forward to welcoming a new cohort of young men and women who will also be actively involved in revitalizing Atlantic City and South Jersey.”

Stockton currently has more than 350 students in its EOF program, many of whom have become active leaders through student clubs, community organizations, Student Senate, and as Student Trustees.  Deon Davis, an Atlantic City High School graduate is currently the alternate Student Trustee on the Stockton University Board of Trustees.

 “The EOF has given me the opportunity to explore options and develop as a professional,” Davis said. “You get to make connections and invest in yourself.”

 The EOF-AC will integrate the program’s ideals directly into students’ course of study.  Participants will be encouraged to consider Stockton’s Liberal Arts degree with a specialization in civic engagement and community leadership.

 Students will get learning opportunities in their local schools and communities so they can translate academic learning into real-world experiences and create a professional network for future professional development and employment.

 State EOF funding will provide almost $57,000 for the spring 2018 semester to support recruiting and start-up costs for the new program.  Stockton will receive $75,000 to fund the program in 2018-19. 

Contact: 
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.D'Amico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
stockton.edu/media