E.O.F. ADVOCACY VIDEO MESSAGE
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Hello E.O.F. colleagues, friends, and family members,
My name is Randolph Portugal and am asking all of you for a Call to Action! As many of you may know, The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Program was created by law in 1968 to ensure meaningful access to higher education for those who come from backgrounds of economic and educational disadvantage. The Fund assists low-income New Jersey residents who are capable and motivated but lack adequate preparation for college study.
Since then, the E.O.F. Program’s budget was a topic of discussion each year. On February 16th, 2016, Governor Chris Christie presented his 2017 fiscal year budget recommendations.
From his recommendations, there are good news and bad news.
The good news is that overall higher education funding remains level for our colleges and universities. The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program was recommended for a 4.6% increase which will make it possible to increase TAG awards at all levels by 2% over fiscal 2016 award levels and support more than 68,000 New Jersey Students. The recommendation also provides $1 million to support College Readiness Now programs to help students prepare for college level course work before they graduate high school.
The bad news is that the budget recommends a $2,565 million reduction to E.O.F., eliminating the legislative add-on to the fiscal year 2016 budget. This reduction would affect how many students E.O.F. programs can fund during the semester and summer, as well as programs' operational budget. The cut would set the statewide program back, jeopardizing college success and graduation outcomes for our future E.O.F. Leaders.
In other words, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
As alumni, we need to do as much as we can to oppose this reduction to the E.O.F. Program. Below, you will see various ways how you can demonstrate your support on a legislative level.
From writing emails to your legislatures, sending Snapshot Stories, (attending budget hearings and Student Day at the Capitol!) or even doing a One-Minute Video Campaign, you can help restore the funds that E.O.F. relies on to provide comprehensive, quality academic support services to your future colleagues in the E.O.F. Statewide community.
I want to plead with all of my E.O.F. family members to share their support and concern for a program that has opened the pathways of success. Again see below on our email how you can show your support, of if you’d like please email us at [email protected] so that we can help you in the advocacy process
On behalf of all of us here at E.O.F.S.A.A. We thank you.
And remember, we are all One Family, Statewide.
Best wishes,
Randolph Portugal
Chairperson, E.O.F.S.A.A.
My name is Randolph Portugal and am asking all of you for a Call to Action! As many of you may know, The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Program was created by law in 1968 to ensure meaningful access to higher education for those who come from backgrounds of economic and educational disadvantage. The Fund assists low-income New Jersey residents who are capable and motivated but lack adequate preparation for college study.
Since then, the E.O.F. Program’s budget was a topic of discussion each year. On February 16th, 2016, Governor Chris Christie presented his 2017 fiscal year budget recommendations.
From his recommendations, there are good news and bad news.
The good news is that overall higher education funding remains level for our colleges and universities. The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program was recommended for a 4.6% increase which will make it possible to increase TAG awards at all levels by 2% over fiscal 2016 award levels and support more than 68,000 New Jersey Students. The recommendation also provides $1 million to support College Readiness Now programs to help students prepare for college level course work before they graduate high school.
The bad news is that the budget recommends a $2,565 million reduction to E.O.F., eliminating the legislative add-on to the fiscal year 2016 budget. This reduction would affect how many students E.O.F. programs can fund during the semester and summer, as well as programs' operational budget. The cut would set the statewide program back, jeopardizing college success and graduation outcomes for our future E.O.F. Leaders.
In other words, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
As alumni, we need to do as much as we can to oppose this reduction to the E.O.F. Program. Below, you will see various ways how you can demonstrate your support on a legislative level.
From writing emails to your legislatures, sending Snapshot Stories, (attending budget hearings and Student Day at the Capitol!) or even doing a One-Minute Video Campaign, you can help restore the funds that E.O.F. relies on to provide comprehensive, quality academic support services to your future colleagues in the E.O.F. Statewide community.
I want to plead with all of my E.O.F. family members to share their support and concern for a program that has opened the pathways of success. Again see below on our email how you can show your support, of if you’d like please email us at [email protected] so that we can help you in the advocacy process
On behalf of all of us here at E.O.F.S.A.A. We thank you.
And remember, we are all One Family, Statewide.
Best wishes,
Randolph Portugal
Chairperson, E.O.F.S.A.A.