Montclair Hosts Largest EOF Summer Conference with 771 Students from Across New Jersey

This summer, Montclair State University hosted a record-breaking 771 students for its annual Statewide Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Empowerment Conference, the largest in University history. The event brought together EOF Summer Scholars from Montclair, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, and seven other New Jersey institutions for a day of learning, networking and inspiration at Memorial Auditorium. Students from Rutgers University Newark and Essex County College were new to the conference this year.

“Other universities and EOF programs see the value in the cross-campus connections and how we are empowering and pouring into EOF Scholars, and they want to be a part of that,” says EOF Director Rahjaun Gordon.

The EOF Summer Program is one of several early-college initiatives designed to help students—many of whom are the first in their families to attend college—transition successfully into university life. These programs, including EOF, Summer Bridge Scholars Program and Health Careers, offer students the chance to earn up to 6 college credits before the start of their first fall semester.

Building a Strong Foundation for Academic Success

Students in these early-college programs experience:

• College-level coursework that strengthens academic readiness
• Part residential and part commuter experiences that provide a true taste of campus life
• Built-in quality academic support, including tutoring, peer mentoring and coaching
• Workshops to build essential study and time management skills
• Community-building experiences that promote belonging and connection but also independence

In addition, students learn leadership development, financial literacy and need-based financial assistance. Gordon says the experiences provide students a powerful head start—both inside and outside the classroom. “We’re building community through group and individual counseling, through cohesive programming and group support of our scholars. We’ve built a huge community of students who before the start of the semester believe that they can achieve something that a lot of their families didn’t have the opportunity to.”

Results That Speak for Themselves

Results for students who participate in these intensive summer programs show that they:

• earn more overall credits
• have higher overall GPAs
• are retained at a higher rate

In fact, 95% of those who participate in EOF are still enrolled in the spring semester the following year. In addition, the bonds and connections made over the summer improves scholar learning retention and overall satisfaction, says Montclair’s Associate Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs Daniel Jean, a proud EOF alumnus.

“It is exciting to watch scholars transition from orientation to completion and build such a strong sense of community,” he says. “The program is designed carefully with multiple campus partners to ensure the scholars feel welcomed, seen and part of the University community.”

Olympian Inspires with Message of Resilience

Students at the EOF Conference heard from Olympian and entrepreneur Priscilla Frederick-Loomis, who shared her inspiring story of overcoming setbacks to achieve success.

Sharing that she trained for years for one day of Olympic competition, she encouraged students to put in the work and learn from failure. “I want you to understand that the only reason I have this experience is because of my failures. Just because you failed does not mean it’s a life sentence. Stop giving up on you so quickly.”

She encouraged scholars to embrace failure as a steppingstone and reminded them that mastery takes a while: “Give yourself some time. Most people become their best selves or accomplish their goals in their 50s. You have excellence in your DNA. Nobody can take that from you.”

Student Voices: What Scholars and Peer Leaders Say

Incoming freshmen numbered 140 Montclair and 30 Bloomfield students. A few shared how the program shaped their confidence and sense of belonging:

“The biggest thing is the support. Program staff and mentors make it very clear that they will always be right there with you from the start to the end, and that really allows a student to just persevere.” — Political Science major Esmil Feliz, West New York’s Memorial High School graduate

“I learned a lot about college and how it’s going to feel. I also learned about myself and how I want to come across to other people throughout my college experience and beyond.” — Undeclared major Sarah Auguste, Hillside High School

“Making new friends is the deal. That’s how you get yourself out there. I feel comfortable and at home.” — Visual Arts major Laila Winbush, Randolph High School

“I met so many people, and we instantly clicked. That’s been my favorite part, the connections. The big switch was being a bit more independent.” — Acting major Thomas Freeman, Burlington City High School

“Being an EOF Peer Leader allowed me to exceed expectations about myself. I feel more confident in my decisions and endeavors. I’m forever grateful to continue the legacy of EOF.” —  Samantha Dominguez-Reyes, Senior Political Science major, Pre-Law Studies minor

“Serving as a Peer Leader has been an invaluable experience. I built new friendships, supported my scholars’ success and discovered a lot about myself in the process. In fact, this role has contributed to me reconsidering my career path; I’m now seriously exploring a future in higher education.”  — Anthony Stoica, Senior Information Systems and Technology major, Japanese minor

“The Summer Academy was a full circle moment. I had the opportunity to work with amazing co-workers and network. Meeting all the scholars was my favorite part. I was able to get to know them and support them through their new journey at Montclair.”  — Athena Cobos, rising sophomore Child Advocacy and Policy major, Social Work minor

Summer Bridge Supports a Strong Start to College

The Summer Bridge Scholars offers both residential and commuter options, including hybrid learning, to help new students get a head start. Participants can take discounted courses across all colleges and earn up to 6 credits. The program includes built-in academic support such as supplemental instruction, coaching, peer mentoring and Montclair 101 workshops. This year, 143 students participated in the program.

Health Careers Helps Future Healthcare Professionals

Montclair’s Health Careers Program (HCP) provides a structured pathway for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing careers in healthcare and science. Through mentoring, academic support and hands-on experiences, HCP prepares students for competitive admission to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and other health disciplines.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students: It’s not too late to apply! Montclair State University is still accepting applications and deposits for fall 2025.

Looking Ahead? Registration for Summer Sessions 2026 opens October 31, 2025. The application for fall 2026 opens August 1. Plan your visit and take your first step in applying!

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