Educational Opportunity Program Contributes to California’s Economic Success

For almost 35 years the California State University's Educational Opportunity Program has been providing educational access and opportunity for more than 250,000 low-income and educationally disadvantaged students throughout California, the majority of whom are first-generation college students.

In addition, its long-term success and productivity, EOP has distinguished itself as the major contributor to the development of educated middle class communities throughout California. Students in EOP are more than twice as likely to remain in college than students from similar backgrounds who do not participate in the program. EOP college graduates are working in business, industry, government, medicine, law, education, communications, sales, finance, politics, transportation, publishing, law enforcement, computer science and technology, engineering, accounting and many other fields.

Approximately 76 percent of the students in EOP come from families with incomes under $30,000. In most cases, the parents have no higher education experience, do not understand the postsecondary process and do not necessarily value a higher education.

EOP services include admission counseling, academic advising, peer mentoring, courses offered in conjunction with academic departments, student success workshops, tutoring, Graduation Writing Test preparation, and supplemental financial assistance. Summer Bridge may offer courses in the areas of math, English, ethnic studies, study skills and orientation, as well as provide tutoring, academic advising, seminars and other retention activities and services which may vary from each campus. The length of each program varies, as programs can be from one week to six weeks and all may not be residential. Check with each campus for the details on each of their programs.