The Extended Opportunity and Program Services (E.O.P.S.) is a student support program that provides assistance to students who need financial aid.
Since its establishment in 1969, E.O.P.S. has consistently provided students with financial and academic support. It provides students with school supplies, laptops, calculators and grants for parking permits and books. Its students receive priority counseling and registration. The program has its own counselors and students can meet with them almost immediately. They can also register for classes over a week earlier, said Herbert English, coordinator of the E.O.P.S. program.
Any student on the Board of Governors (BOG) fee waiver, A or B, that is taking at least 12 units is eligible for E.O.P.S. services. On April 13, the E.O.P.S. will begin accepting applications for fall 2015. However, foster youth, veterans and undocumented students do not have an application deadline and can apply year round.
“There is a huge cost associated with college,” English said. “We want to take the financial burden away so students can focus on their goals.”
English said that inexperience and cost are the two greatest challenges students face. First generation college students don’t know much about college and have trouble maneuvering outside of class, English said. He said community college is costly, with a myriad of fees and payments that add up. However, he said E.O.P.S. can help students successfully overcome these obstacles.
“I truly believe the E.O.P.S. is the best student support program in community colleges,” English said.
There are additional perks available to E.O.P.S. students, such as access to a computer lab where they can study and do homework. Another service is the Summer Bridge program, a series of summer classes, that covers up to 10 units.
“It will provide students with a Math, English, and Counseling course to help students get acclimated to the campus by fall,” English said.
Although the student population of the E.O.P.S. has grown, English said there are qualifying students on campus who are not receiving help.
“I do think there are more students on campus that can utilize the program,” English said. “We would love to have the students give us a shot.”
Janette Martinez, a second year sociology major in E.O.P.S., works in its office. She has received financial aid in the form of school supplies and grants, and also has priority registration. In addition to covering college expenses she described the emotional impact of the E.O.P.S. program.
“It’s really a big help,” Martinez said. “Not just financially, but emotionally. We visit counselors three times per semester and get close to them. E.O.P.S. is like a second home.”
Students can remain in E.O.P.S. for up to six semesters or 70 course units.
Students can find an application online or in the office, FH 210 1A. Students applying will also need to submit an unofficial transcript or a high school transcript.
