The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program at Rutgers University-Newark is one of the oldest campus programs established by the state to provide open access to higher education. Established in 1968, the Rutgers-Newark EOF program is designed to support the educational and financial needs of students whose potential for college may not be reflected in their academic grades and SAT scores and whose economic background would make attending college very difficult without financial aid. Accordingly, the EOF program focuses on the provision of tuition assistance and academic support services, which emphasize both intellectual and personal development.
At Rutgers-Newark, EOF students receive counseling and academic advising, tutoring, and supplemental support courses to promote strong academic performance. Students admitted to the university through EOF are required to attend a summer program--the Academic Scholars Institute (ASI)--designed to prepare them for the rigorous demands of the university experience at Rutgers-Newark. The ASI offers specialized instruction in mathematics, English composition, science, and speech communication. In addition, it offers undergraduate teaching assistants, peer mentors, and an introduction to faculty instructors committed to the program and a variety of enrichment activities.
The EOF program also assists students interested in graduate study, the Honors College, internships, career exploration, and other related programs and opportunities. The EOF program at Rutgers University-Newark reflects a wide range of student diversity in ethnicity, language, and culture, and EOF students are actively engaged in student organizations and campus life. Although the primary emphasis is on the development of intellectual skills and successful study habits, the EOF program also helps students increase their confidence, develop social skills, and broaden their potential for growth.
The EOF program at Rutgers University-Newark is administered by the Academic Foundations Center.
