{"id":218815,"date":"2022-08-09T15:47:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T19:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=218815"},"modified":"2022-08-15T15:57:01","modified_gmt":"2022-08-15T19:57:01","slug":"eof-builds-confidence-to-succeed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2022\/08\/09\/eof-builds-confidence-to-succeed\/","title":{"rendered":"EOF Builds Confidence to Succeed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Capping rigorous summer academies preparing incoming students for college, Montclair State University hosted the 10th annual statewide Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Empowerment Conference to support the newest class of EOF scholars with the transition to college.<\/p>\n

More than 550 scholars came to Montclair State University on July 28 to hear from motivational speaker and Montclair alumnus Michael Spence \u201914 on the importance of intentionally pursuing their personal and professional goals. Participants also took part in workshops designed by Montclair\u2019s Future College Graduate Academy to help these highly motivated students from diverse and historically denied backgrounds succeed, open doors and know that they belong.<\/p>\n

“The conference allowed for multiple EOF programs in New Jersey to connect scholars from all the different schools,\u201d said Montclair\u2019s EOF Director Dr. Rahjaun Gordon, \u201cproviding multiple breakout sessions, a talent showcase and powerful keynote that scholars were able to enjoy but also learn skills related to navigating college.” <\/p>\n

Photo Gallery:<\/h2>\n
Experiencing the support and motivational talks help EOF scholars feel empowered to persevere and succeed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
For the past 54 years, New Jersey\u2019s EOF programs have supported generations of scholars from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"EOF
At Montclair State University, a summer academy and year-round support gives EOF scholars the skills, resources and counseling that enable students to persist and to graduate at rates that exceed state and national benchmarks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The conference keynote was given by Montclair alumnus and motivational speaker Michael Spence \u201914.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Michael
More than 550 students \u2013 from Bloomfield College, Caldwell University, Georgian Court University, Hudson County Community College, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Passaic County Community College, Ramapo College of New Jersey and Rider University \u2013 react to the presentation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The EOF four-year graduation rate at Montclair is the highest in the history of the program; a key factor being the first-year scholars successfully completing the rigorous six-week summer academy. The statewide conference is one of the culminating retention activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"student
Feeling inspired.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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