SENATE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 105

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 11, 2021

     The Senate Higher Education Committee reports favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 105.

     This joint resolution designates April of each year as “Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Month” in New Jersey in order to recognize the critical role that EOF plays in ensuring the meaningful access to higher education for economically and educationally disadvantaged students in the State. For over 50 years, EOF has provided a wide array of services and support for students, including counseling, tutoring, and developmental course work, designed to foster academic achievement, the development of leadership skills, and persistence to graduation. In addition to support services, EOF provides financial assistance to eligible students at participating institutions.

      Under the joint resolution, the Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing April as “Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Month” in New Jersey and calling upon high schools, EOF-participating post-secondary institutions, and other interested groups to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs, to promote EOF awareness, and to provide all students with information about utilizing EOF.