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Galloway, N.J. — Throughout her time at ��������, Leilani Moreno-Solano has made a name for herself as an , a member of the team and a sister of .

The Egg Harbor Township resident credits all of this to the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), a state program created to ensure meaningful access to higher education for those from backgrounds of economic and educational disadvantage.

This sort of support begins in the Summer Academy, a five-week summer residential program to prepare students for their first year through a combination of academic instruction, personal development and community building.

The academy helped Leilani at a pivotal moment in her life, leading her to become an instructional assistant for this year’s academy.

Participating in the Summer Academy also allows her to keep a helpful and watchful eye on Andrew, who smiled shyly as his sister described her “excitement, joy and happiness” at seeing her brother grow up. 

“Being able to share the information that I have gathered from what I learned here… it’s very exciting to pass it all down to my brother, especially being at ��������, because I’ve created a large network and my own legacy,” said Leilani, beaming with pride. “I’m excited for him to have this step up into higher education at ��������, and that I’ll be there to help him with whatever he needs.”

Prior to the academy’s conclusion later this month, Andrew, along with this year’s cohort, will experience credit-bearing classes and living on campus at no cost, attend workshops to connect to on-campus resources, engage in service-learning opportunities and build long-lasting friendships.

Andrew hopes this experience will prepare him for his journey to achieve not only financial security but also financial independence and success for him and his family through his studies in finance.

“We’re an immigrant family, and we’re not rich, so I’ve always wanted to learn how to manage money and achieve our dreams,” Andrew said. “I feel like the (EOF) program is really going to help me in transitioning to the college environment and classes. I’m looking forward to learning more about college classes, managing my time and navigating stressful situations.”

Both siblings agree that education and the pursuit of it have always been important to their parents.

“I think us being here together and seeing us as thriving students will bring a lot of joy to our parents, because that’s all they ever wanted,” Leilani said. 

Why EOF Works

Students in ��������’s EOF program (Fall 2023) continue their studies at a higher rate than other first-year students in the second semester (96% vs. 92%), according to statistics from the university’s Office. 

According to Ana DeNise, the director of �������� EOF, these rates are made possible through the program’s intentionality of targeting underserved students and meeting them wherever they are on their journey to higher education. This becomes especially important when students are the first in their families to pursue and navigate the many challenges of attending a college or university, as is the case for almost 90% of EOF students, as of the fall of 2023.  

The work doesn’t conclude after the Summer Academy ends – services offered through EOF are available to students throughout their time at ��������.

“EOF is designed to provide students with a hand up, not a handout,” DeNise said. “The program offers comprehensive academic, financial and holistic support throughout a student’s entire college journey. From the intensive Summer Academy to personalized advising, workshops and mentorship, EOF ensures students don’t just make it to college, they thrive during their time at �������� and beyond graduation.”

The program has also undergone significant changes, including hiring Tricia Chapman, EOF’s newest math coach, who will assist a growing number of students in the program struggling with college-level math through one-on-one sessions and group workshops.

DeNise describes Chapman’s style of coaching as “approachable, supportive and highly personalized.”

“Tricia works closely with students to break down the barriers that often make math feel overwhelming,” DeNise said. “She meets students where they are, whether they need help with foundational concepts or more advanced material.”

As always, EOF has continued to foster relationships across campus, with collaborative programs involving the Wellness Center’s Counseling & Psychological Services department, Athletics, the Multicultural Center, the offices of Residential Life, Dean of Students and Career Education & Development and the college-readiness program GOALS GEAR UP.  

“EOF’s partnerships across campus have significantly deepened the impact of the program,” DeNise said. “Collaborations with these departments have created a strong, integrated support system for students. Whether it’s addressing mental health, building leadership skills, fostering cultural identity, or simply creating a sense of belonging, these partnerships ensure that EOF students are surrounded by the resources needed to be successful at �������� and beyond.”

– Story by Loukaia Taylor

– Photos by Susan Allen

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