MAYS LANDING, NJ – Atlantic Cape Community College’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Student Support Services (SSS) programs are designed to offer students personalized support, and the free resources and tools necessary to help make their higher education experience a positive one.
New and returning students attended the EOF Summer Institute on July 29-30 and the SSS Program Student Orientation on August 21 at the College’s Mays Landing campus to learn firsthand about how the two programs may assist them during their academic journey at Atlantic Cape.
“The EOF Summer Institute is an important part of helping our incoming students make a successful transition into college. It gives them the opportunity to build relationships with other students and staff, understand the expectations of college life, and develop practical skills such as time management, career planning, and professional communication before the semester begins. Our goal is not only to prepare students academically, but to help them feel confident, connected, and ready to succeed,” said EOF First–Year Experience Assistant Taherrah McQueen, who was joined during the summer institute by EOF Office Coordinator Henry Guzman–Flores and numerous other College employees.
Returning to school after a 23–year hiatus, 46–year–old Mays Landing resident, East Orange native and information technology major Howard Arnold is determined to forge meaningful relationships and take advantage of the resources available to him.
“I thought (attending today) would be a great opportunity not only for support, but to meet people and build relationships. The first time I was in school, I didn't really build great relationships, I just focused on school, but this time around, I want to do it differently. I want to build relationships, meet people, be involved and I feel like EOF can do that for me,” said Arnold, who is currently a substitute teacher.
Atlantic City resident and human services major Larissa Gonzalez attended the EOF event for one important reason, tuition funding.
“I really need the help right now, but I actually really enjoyed the summer institute. I met a couple of friends that I've kept in touch with and we've grown a little bond,” said Gonzalez.
Atlantic City resident and health science major Tonasia Rolle hopes that the support offered by EOF may help her achieve her goal of one day becoming a radiologic technician.
“I am hoping that I get an opportunity to get help from the resources that the EOF provides. Knowing that they can help with transferring to a four–year college, I can actually use that when I choose to decide to transfer,” said Rolle.
The EOF Program was created to assist culturally diverse, financially eligible students who exhibit the potential to be successful in college in the attainment of their educational goals. The EOF is one of the nation's most comprehensive and successful state-supported efforts to provide access to higher education for economically and educationally disadvantaged students.
The EOF assists those who are capable and motivated, but lack adequate preparation for college study. Helping students succeed and graduate, the EOF supports a wide array of campus-based outreach and support services.
The SSS Program Orientation introduced the program’s staff, benefits, activities and student responsibilities to nearly two dozen students in attendance. Atlantic Cape President Dr. Jason Abreu provided welcome remarks. An Icebreaker activity, team building project and a campus–wide scavenger hunt allowed the students to get to know one another and work together towards a common goal.
SSS Director Rashawn Martin reinforced to the students that they are not along and that, yes, you truly belong at Atlantic Cape.
“We're a whole team. We're not just a program, we are a family. Each and every one of you have the same goal here at Atlantic Cape, to earn your degree. It's easier to steer and move a ship when you have other people helping you than doing yourself,” said Martin, who was joined by SSS Counselors Lynette Ingram and Emanuel Neil. “You belong here. This is a family. You're going to set the foundation for a great start to this semester.”
Galloway resident, Dominican Republic native and health science major Abisag Gomez was intrigued by the wealth of free resources that SSS provides for students.
“These resources are going to be really beneficial for me moving forward. One of the resources is the tutoring. I didn't know that a lot of people use tutoring. I’m not the best at math, but I'm a very shy person, so I feel like tutoring would be the best thing I should do to break out of my shell and get out of my comfort zone,” said Gomez. “The second resource would be visiting the different campuses because I'm interested in transferring to Rowan to do the sonography program.”
Mays Landing resident and fine arts/psychology major Aryanna Rosa decided to return to Atlantic Cape after a short break. She attended the orientation to become reacquainted with the College’s resources as she works towards earning her degree and possibly transferring to a four–year school.
“I'm thinking about transferring and continuing with psychology. I'm not sure where yet, but I would like to potentially pursue something like art therapy or art education. Art therapy is like traditional talk therapy and integrating art into it. It’s another avenue to express your thoughts or feelings that you might not be able to use words for. It's like a healing technique, almost sort of like using art as a mental health kind of a healing,” said Rosa.
SSS is a federally-funded program that celebrates, empowers and uplifts eligible students through trips, programs and workshops. It provides personalized support and additional free resources to eligible students. These services help students excel in the classroom and earn their degree or certificate. It also helps students succeed after graduation by offering personal career advising and transfer planning.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/sss for more information on the Student Support Services Program. Visit atlanticcape.edu/student-resources/eof for more information on the Educational Opportunity Fund Program.
View a photo gallery of the SSS Program Orientation on Flickr here. View a photo gallery of the EOF Summer Institute on Flickr here.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
