[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A THIRTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATIONAL 
                            OPPORTUNITY FUND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 1999

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the New Jersey 
Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association (NJEOFPA) in 
honoring the 30th anniversary of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity 
Fund (EOF) program. This special anniversary is being highlighted 
during the NJEOFPA Student Leadership Conference and Awards Luncheon in 
Atlantic City, New Jersey.
  In July of 1968, the New Jersey State Legislature signed the EOF 
program into law. The legislation, sponsored by the then-freshman 
Assemblyman Thomas H. Kean, was aimed at opening the doors of higher 
education to economically and educationally disadvantaged students. 
During the fall of 1968, thirty-four colleges took initial steps to 
instituting the program and 1,500 students enrolled.
  Through the years, the EOF has provided valuable financial resources, 
counseling, basic skills and academic enrichment to many young men and 
women. Today, there are fifty-six EOF programs in New Jersey' diverse 
educational institutions. Over 30,000 students have received post-
secondary degrees through EOF programs, including our current Assistant 
Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and 
former East Orange, New Jersey Mayor Cardell Cooper. The Educational 
Opportunity Fund sponsors more than one-third of the African-American 
and Latino students at New Jersey's state and independent institutions 
for higher learning. Furthermore, approximately 11% of the first-time, 
full-time freshman entering New Jersey's colleges and universities are 
enrolled through EOF.
  Mr. Speaker, for thirty years the Educational Opportunity Fund has 
helped disadvantaged students access higher education. I am proud to 
join members of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund 
Professional Association in paying tribute to the 30th Anniversary of 
the program.

                          ____________________