(TRENTON) – Recognizing the role of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) in expanding access to higher education for students from underserved backgrounds, the full Assembly recently approved legislation (AJR-204) to designate April as ‘Educational Opportunity Fund Month’ annually in New Jersey. The vote tally was 72-0.
For over 50 years, the EOF has provided financial assistance, tutoring and other support services to 13,000 eligible students each year.
The measure’s sponsors, Assembly Democrats Mila Jasey (D-Essex, Morris), Daniel Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex) and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), released the following joint statement:
“In many cases, access to higher education is access to well-paying jobs, financial stability, professional advancement and personal fulfillment. The Educational Opportunity Fund opens this door for students from economically and educationally underserved backgrounds, helping them forge a path to accomplish their goals. Designating April as EOF Month in New Jersey will raise awareness for this vital program and pay tribute to the thousands of students who have benefited since its inception over five decades ago.”
The measure now goes to the Senate for further review.