Governor Murphy Makes Community College Tuition-Free for New Jersey Residents

Paula Martin Vega

Without a Community College Opportunity Grant, Paula Martin Vega’s dream of earning an Associate’s Degree in psychology seemed unattainable, especially during these challenging times. After earning her associate’s degree, she hopes to become a child psychologist. Her parents have always taught her the value of education as well as becoming a professional and contributing knowledge to society. Both of Paula’s parents and  her sisters earned college degrees in Colombia. She is the first in her family to study in higher education in the United States.

Morgan McGrath

At 27 years old Morgan McGrath, completed her first college semester at Camden County College as a pre-nursing major in spring 2020, after a five-year gap in her education. The CCOG grant made it possible for Morgan to enroll in college. When she found out about the grant, Morgan says it was a huge relief knowing that she would have a way to pay for college and that she was closer to reaching her educational goals. She’s now completed three semesters at CCC and, although it’s been a challenging year with new obstacles, she says she’s so excited to have this opportunity to continue her education.

Luke Ottinger

Luke Ottinger transferred to Camden County College from another community college in 2018 to complete the Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing program. Luke became eligible for CCOG in the Fall of 2020. He chose an accelerated program despite the added difficulty because of extreme financial hardship. The CCOG grant made it possible for Luke to achieve his dreams. Luke has taken and passed his licensing exam and is looking for work as a Registered Nurse.

Daniel Rivas

Daniel Rivas was furloughed from his job at the start of the pandemic giving him the perfect opportunity to attend Essex County College. Without the Community College Opportunity Grant, Daniel Rivas would not have been able to return to college after seven years and afford the cost of tuition and fees. The CCOG granted Daniel the chance to be able to complete his degree program that he started so many years ago without having to worry about covering the costs. Daniel is grateful for this program and the many opportunities it has provided him and others so they may have the same luck to complete their academic journey without any financial concerns.

Suleiny Rodriguez

Suleiny Rodriguez immigrated to this country four years ago and she found it difficult to continue her education in college until she discovered Hudson County Community College. Suleiny says that the college cares about her academic success and growth, and assisted her in obtaining a Community College Opportunity Grant to pursue a culinary career. The CCOG grant has been “much more than a blessing”. The grant has allowed her to pursue her studies full-time, without having to work full-time to pay for her college-level courses. Suleiny is immensely thankful for the people that make this financial assistance possible and available for her and to other students across the state.

Christian Perez

Christian Perez initially attended Rutgers University immediately after high school to study engineering. Christian realized that he was not prepared for college. He struggled in his classes and lost almost all of his financial aid. He spent a year working minimum wage jobs and barely making ends meet. Christian was determined to pursue a college education and to build a better life. He enrolled at MCCC, at first paying his entire way. He soon exhausted his savings and was worried that he would be unable to continue at the college until he was told about CCOG. The program covered all of his tuition, allowing him to stay in school. He’s now in his second year as a Game Design major, and he just added a double-major in Communications. He says that CCOG gave him a second chance.

Areli Aguilar-Torres

Areli Agruilar-Torres would describe herself as thankful. She is a Latina born in Mexico but has lived in New Jersey since the age of 5 and had the opportunity to become an NJ Dreamer. CCOG has provided Areli with a life-changing opportunity to attend college. Areli works full-time while attending college in order to support herself and her family. As the first in her family to attend college, Areli is building the foundation for her teenage children to follow in her footsteps. Areli thanks CCOG and MCC for giving her the opportunity to plant seeds of prosperity for herself and her family’s future generations.

Paulo J. Almiron

As a first-generation college student, Paulo J. Almiron considered finances to be one of his biggest worries about attending college. However, the Community College Opportunity Grant made it possible for Paulo to continue his studies at Passaic County Community College. Paulo says that the CCOG had a positive impact on himself and his education, because now he can fully focus on his academics and co-curricular activities, while also getting a high-quality education.

Chelsea Castro

Chelsea Castro comes from a single parent home and is a child of a parent who never had an opportunity to go to college. She says that the CCOG has had a major impact on her education and life. It has allowed her to fulfill her dreams of receiving a nursing education. Chelsea says she is proud to be both a recipient of CCOG and a soon-to-be graduate from a community college. She credits where she is today to the grant and the help of staff in the RVCC financial aid department. This grant has given her a high-quality education and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her future patients. Chelsea looks forward to paying this kindness forward in her future career as a nurse.

Domenica Rosati

Domenica Rosati is in her second year at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC). She chose RCBC because of the affordable cost but was worried about her ability to pay for her college education. Now Domenica believes that the Community College Opportunity Grant has been critical to her success in college. She plans to transfer to a four-year college and to pursue an education and career in Music Education. She works part-time as a student worker at RCBC and she loves her job. Domenica is grateful for the opportunities given to her from the CCOG and she looks forward to the future.

Colin Durham

The Community College Opportunity Grant has given Colin Durham the chance to pursue his education and to pursue a career as a nurse. Colin graduated from Salem’s practical nursing program last year and is now currently enrolled in Salem’s ADN program, where he is on track to become a Registered Nurse. Colin says that CCOG has provided him with the necessary funds to allow him to focus on what matters most: his education.

Bryan Paes

Bryan Paes is a “proud working-class New Jersey student” working 40 hours a week while attending full-time classes at Sussex County Community College. He says that receiving the Community College Opportunity Grant has been an incredible gift allowing him to pursue a college education.

Vincent Eyvon

When Vincent Eyvon first learned that he was eligible for the Community College Opportunity Grant, he says he immediately felt as though a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. This program has provided Vincent with the opportunity to invest all of his energy in bettering himself and his community, rather than scrambling to pay for his tuition.

James Unterwald

As a non-traditional student, James Unterwald says that the Community College Opportunity Grant has changed his life tremendously. He needed a new direction for his life and wanted to earn a college degree. James is pursuing a degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and is excited to pursue a career in a rapidly growing industry. James thoroughly enjoys being a student at Warren and working with the UAS program. He is proud that he is now a student lab assistant and the group leader that helped the college earn a waiver from the FAA that allows the students at the college to learn to fly drones over populated areas.