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About the Program

The Educational Opportunity Scholars (EOS) Program, which also goes by the name Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), is a New Jersey state-funded program centered on the success of students. The Drew EOS office provides access for motivated state residents from underrepresented populations/areas that meet the income criteria and exhibit the potential for high achievement. By providing academic services, we work to help participants reach their full personal, intellectual, spiritual and academic potential.

The Educational Opportunity Scholars Program is a partnership between the NJ Commission of Higher Education and Drew University. Within this partnership, the program provides access to higher education and support for highly motivated students who exhibit the potential for success. The program provides direct services designed to promotes persistence through degree completion. Furthermore, the program supports innovative educational initiatives and leadership development activities to enhance the students’ chance for academic success. The office provides for the holistic care of the student. We render immediate and comprehensive academic, career, and student development support strategies to encourage personal and college success. The office also makes referrals to appropriate university and community offices when necessary.

All New Jersey residents may apply to the program if they fall within the financial guidelines. Citizens and permanent residents are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and students who qualify for DACA are required to complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

Overview of Services
The EOS Program is designed around providing the following services for its students:

  • 5-Week Summer Bridge Program
  • First-Year Seminar Course
  • Individual/bi-weekly conferences
  • Tutorial referral (Academic Services)
  • Big brother/sister peer mentoring
  • Life planning/self-assessment
  • Civic and leadership development
  • First-year/Sophomore Workshops
  • Junior/Senior Transition and Seminar Sessions
  • Community and alumni connections

MONTHLY FIRST-YEAR/SOPHOMORE WORKSHOPS

Each month, the EOS Program hosts workshops focused on self-assessment and awareness, study skills, health and well being, career development, and leadership. The purpose of these workshops is to provide students with additional tools for succeeding in their undergraduate studies.

MONTHLY JUNIOR/SENIOR TRANSITION WORKSHOPS

Each month, the EOS Program hosts sessions designed to help students actualize the knowledge gained through an understanding of the self and others. The sessions also help foster the transition into the professional realm.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Prospective First-Year Students
Prospective first-year students interested in applying for the EOS program must complete an admission application to Drew University. The University accepts both the CommonApp and the Coalition Application. When completing the admission application, students will be asked if they would like to apply for the EOF Program. When students answer affirmatively, they will be prompted to answer additional questions relevant to the program.

As the Educational Opportunity Scholars program is a state-funded program, students must meet the following criteria to be eligible.  If you have any questions about the EOF eligibility requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions: [email protected] or 973-408-DREW.

  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 file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
  4. Must meet the academic criteria as set by the Admissions, Financial Aid, and the EOF Program.
  5. Gross income and assets must fall within the criteria shown:

ESTABLISHED INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

2023-2024 EOF Income Eligibility Scale with Asset Cap Calculation
Household Size (including student) Gross Income Not to Exceed Asset Value Not to Exceed
1 $27,180.00 $5,436.00
2 $36,620.00 $7,324.00
3 $46,060.00 $9,212.00
4 $55,500.00 $11,100.00
5 $64,940.00 $12,988.00
6 $74,380.00 $14,876.00
7 $83,820.00 $16,764.00
8 $93,260.00 $18,652.00
                               8+  Add $9,440 for each additional family member Add $1,888 for each additional family member

Students will be required to provide applicable income and tax information in order to qualify. Incoming First-Year applicants are required to complete a 5-week Summer Program to be eligible for the EOF Grant as well as enroll in the year-long EOS Freshman Seminar in the fall and spring semesters of their freshman year.

Prospective Transfer Students
Prospective transfer students interested in applying for the EOS program must complete an admission application to Drew University. The University accepts both the CommonApp and the Coalition Application. When completing the admission application, students will be asked if they would like to apply for the EOF Program. When students answer affirmatively, they will be prompted to answer additional questions relevant to the program. Transfer students are not required to complete the 5-week EOS Summer Program or the EOS Seminar during the academic year.

Students who have received EOF funding at another New Jersey college or university should contact the EOS Recruitment Specialist to inform the Specialist of their previous EOF funding. A staff member at the student’s previous institution will be asked to complete the EOF Transfer Form. Students must still meet all of the eligibility criteria listed below.

Students who have not received EOF funding at another institution are still eligible to apply for EOF funding and participation in the EOS program at Drew University upon transferring in. Students will be asked to provide the same tax and income information as first-year applicants.

As the Educational Opportunity Scholars program is a state-funded program, students must meet the following criteria to be eligible.  If you have any questions about the EOF eligibility requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions: [email protected] or 973-408-DREW.

  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 file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
  4. Must meet the academic criteria as set by the Admissions, Financial Aid, and the EOF Program.
  5. Gross income and assets must fall within the criteria shown:
Household Size (including student) Gross Income Not to Exceed Asset Value Not to Exceed
1 $27,180.00 $5,436.00
2 $36,620.00 $7,324.00
3 $46,060.00 $9,212.00
4 $55,500.00 $11,100.00
5 $64,940.00 $12,988.00
6 $74,380.00 $14,876.00
7 $83,820.00 $16,764.00
8 $93,260.00 $18,652.00
8+ Add $9,440 for each additional family member Add $1,888 for each additional family member
Prospective Graduate Students

EOF GRADUATE GRANTS

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 $4,350 annually depending on the type of institution and financial need. These grants are renewable based upon continued eligibility.

GRADUATE ELIGIBILITY

  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 apply and be accepted to a participating New Jersey college or university.
  4. Must be a full-time graduate student as defined by the institution.
  5. Must meet the financial eligibility criteria as defined in the undergraduate section above.
  6. 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

Students should contact the EOF director at the institution of their interest for additional information.

Additional Information

Staff Directory
EOS Waitlist and Appeal Processes

EOS Waitlist

Students who are admitted to Drew University but are not selected for the EOS Program, either due to applying or depositing after standard admission deadlines or by requesting to apply for EOS after submitting their application and receiving their admission decision, may request to be placed on the EOS Waitlist. If a spot in the EOS Program becomes available, the EOS Recruitment Specialist will notify students on the EOS Waitlist to see if they would still like to join the program.

EOS Decision Appeal

If a student was accepted to Drew University but was not selected for the EOS Program due to a student’s ineligibility upon review against the eligibility criteria, students may appeal the decision by contacting the EOS Recruitment Specialist. Students will be asked to provide supporting information to suggest that they are eligible for the EOF grant per the state-recognized criteria.