Brookdale’s Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) Navigators are available to meet with community and non-profit organizations throughout Monmouth County at their respective locations and events to provide information about New Jersey’s CCOG program and tuition-free higher education at Brookdale for students who meet the CCOG criteria.
Presentations can be tailored to the specific needs of each group, organization or congregation, according to the college.
Brookdale’s CCOG Navigators and the communities they service include: Dr. Fidel Wilson (Greater Asbury Park / Neptune); Jorge Terreros (Greater Freehold); Tarin Varvar (Greater Bayshore); and Birgit Mondesir (Greater Red Bank).
The Navigators attend community events and partner with local resource organizations to get the message about affordable higher education and the college’s programs out to the community, according to the college.
The CCOG award, which is funded by the state, helps pay tuition and other approved educational fees not covered by other Financial Aid grants, according to the college.
The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers – undocumented students – the opportunity to apply for state financial aid grants even though they are ineligible for federal student aid, according to the college.
“The navigators are here to help students, their parents and guardians through the CCOG eligibility and application process which can be daunting at times,” said Ed Johnson, director of governmental affairs and community relations at Brookdale.
“Through the workshops we have held at our campuses and at community locations, our navigators and Brookdale FAFSA coaches help students and families to determine potential eligibility and provide hands-on assistance in completing the required online financial aid forms,” Johnson said.
The CCOG award is available to students who meet the following eligibility requirements: students are enrolled in at least six credits; do not already have a college degree; have a household adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less; and complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
Johnson encouraged community leaders and organizations to arrange for navigators to visit their respective locations for a presentation and to answer question about eligibility and opportunities at Brookdale.
“It’s a great way to reach as many individuals as possible,” Johnson said. “We have seen how it has opened doors for many students from various Monmouth County communities to get started on achieving their personal and professional goals.”
To request a visit or for more information about CCOG, call 732-224-1857 or visit www.brookdalecc.edu/brookdaleccogprogram.