(LINCROFT, NJ) -- Brookdale Community College is proud to announce that OceanFirst Foundation has awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 30 deserving students for the 2024-2025 academic year. This generous contribution continues a partnership that has spanned over 20 years, supporting students as they pursue their educational goals and future careers.

Dr. David M. Stout, president of Brookdale Community College, expressed his gratitude during the scholarship presentation, stating, "OceanFirst Foundation's ongoing generosity is transformative for our students. Scholarships like these can make the difference between continuing their education or not. These funds help alleviate the financial burden and ensure that students have access to the resources they need to succeed."

The scholarships, awarded to students pursuing various fields of study such as architecture, nursing, engineering, data science, and more, reflect OceanFirst Foundation's commitment to investing in the future leaders of New Jersey. Kathy Durante, executive director of OceanFirst Foundation, shared, "We are thrilled to continue supporting Brookdale's students. They are the future of the communities we serve, and it is our honor to help them on their educational journey."

This year's recipients include both first-time and returning scholarship winners. Among them is Anna, an architecture major, who expressed her appreciation for the financial assistance that allows her to focus on her studies. Olga, an international student studying hospitality management, shared her excitement for the opportunities the scholarship provides to expand her career in event planning. Angel, a nursing student working in labor and delivery at Jersey Shore, plans to pursue a career as an ER nurse after graduating this May, expressing her gratitude for the scholarship that is helping her achieve her professional goals.

OceanFirst Foundation, in addition to its scholarship program, supports nine partner colleges and universities throughout New Jersey. The Foundation invests approximately $300,000 annually in scholarships and is committed to making over $1.5 million in charitable donations this year to various causes across the state.

This collaboration between OceanFirst Foundation, OceanFirst Bank, and Brookdale Community College is a powerful testament to the positive impact that partnerships between businesses and educational institutions can have on community development. By supporting these scholarship recipients, OceanFirst Foundation is helping shape the future leaders of various fields. As these students continue their academic journeys, the support they have received will enable them to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. For more information on OceanFirst Foundation scholarships or to learn more about Brookdale Community College, please visit the website.

The mission of the Brookdale Community College Foundation is to help students achieve their dreams of earning a college degree and thereby build a better future for themselves, their families, and our communities.

OceanFirst Foundation empowers organizations to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. OceanFirst Foundation’s priorities include Health & Wellness, Housing, Improving the Quality of Life, and Youth Development and Education. Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has awarded more than 10,000 grants totaling more than $49 million to nonprofits across the OceanFirst Bank footprint.