Future College Graduate Academy (FCGA)

Montclair State University’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) with funding from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education supports highly motivated low-income New Jersey first-year and transfer scholars from historically excluded populations of students who meet the state income criteria and exhibit the potential for high achievement to engage in a mandatory Summer Academy, academic advising, academic support and a host of other co-curricular programs.

Bloomfield College at Montclair State University’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) also receiving funding from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education supports highly motivated low-income New Jersey first-year and transfer scholars from historically excluded populations of students who meet the state income criteria and exhibit the potential for high achievement to engage in a mandatory Summer Academy, academic advising, academic support and a host of other co-curricular programs.

The Knowledge is Power Program and Montclair State University provides joint scholarship funding primarily for low income first-generation Essex County scholars including a required Summer Bridge program, academic advising and a host of other co-curricular programs.

Approximate population size: 50 college scholars

The Cooperman Scholars Program and Montclair State University provides joint scholarship funding primarily for low income first-generation Essex County scholars including a required Summer Bridge program and faculty mentorship.

The Montclair State University Upward Bound Project (UB) is a federally funded TRIO Program, established by the U.S. Department of Education, delivering educational opportunities for currently enrolled high school students from low-level income families and/or who are potential first-generation college attendees from Paterson, New Jersey. UB provides fundamental support for participants to succeed in their current level of education and prepare them for their pursuit of higher education. The goal of UB is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education, enroll and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Assist first-generation, low-income, and/or disabled students to navigate through higher education.

A 5-week program designed to prepare incoming first-year scholars for college life. Scholars are offered the opportunity to live on campus and earn up to 6 credits worth of college courses at a discounted rate. Workshops and co-curricular programming are provided to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in college.

The America Needs You (ANY) Program provides first-generation college students with mentorship opportunities to facilitate economic mobility. Scholars are encouraged to rise above their circumstances and seek higher education to build the necessary skills required to achieve long-term careers. ANY also includes additional programs that help students build structured career paths, engage in professional networks, and obtain financial support.

Mentor Newark is a mentor development network focused on creating positive role models for young students to help reach their full potential.  Mentor Newark collaborate with more than 40 local organization in Newark, New Jersey to ensure the availability for safe high-quality mentorship opportunities for students. With the Partnership with Mentor Newark, we have developed a mentoring program for high school students at University High School in Newark, NJ. Through this initiative, our college students serve as mentors to a cohort of high school students and they work through a mentoring curriculum.

The Give Something Back Program and Montclair State University’s partnership provides full scholarships primarily for low income first-generation scholars who are academically motivated and resilient with special consideration for scholars who have experienced heightened social risks such as foster care or the incarceration of a parent.