[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7819] [From the U.S. 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. ____________________