About the Grant

Where does the money come from?

The Fund for the Improvement of Post-secondary Education (FIPSE) awarded Ocean County College with a 3-year Basic Needs Grant beginning Fall 2023. The grant funds $949,275.00 over the 3-year period, and 100% of project/program costs are funded by the grant.

To be considered for funding you must:  

• Be a student of Ocean County College enrolled in a degree or for-credit certificate program.
  • Non-credit, ESL, early college, and Kean Ocean may qualify for services.
• Apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA)
  • Students do not need to be receiving aid to be considered, but must be eligible to apply for, and complete, the FAFSA application.

• Be a US citizen of eligible non-citizen
• Meet and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 
• Depending on the funding type or request, additional criteria may need to be met or maintained.

• Gift cards for certain food and transportation resources 
• Emergency Funding
  • Auto repair
  • Childcare
  • Healthcare
  • Housing
  • Utilities

• Adjunct services
  • Basic hygiene items
  • Dependent items (e.g. diapers) 
  • Tech support items for class completion 

• The grant is not a continuous funding stream and is designed to help bridge financial gaps for students.
• Students should not expect the grant to be a permanent solution.
• Funding varies by type, student need, and availability.
• Eligibility does not mean a student is guaranteed funding.