The Educational Opportunity Program designs, administers, and supports programs that deliver access and retention services to historically low income and educationally disadvantaged students. An EOP student has the potential to perform satisfactorily in the CSU but has not been able to realize this potential because of economic or educational background. The program provides admission, academic, and financial assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students.
Who Can Apply?
Only historically low-income, educationally disadvantaged students who need admission assistance and support services to succeed in college are eligible to apply to EOP. They must demonstrate academic potential, motivation to succeed, and meet the
income criteria.
EOP Mission Statement
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves as a primary vehicle for the CSU in increasing the access, academic excellence and retention of California’s historically underserved students (low income, First Generation College), thus working in the spirit and abiding by the legislative intent that originally established the program in 1969 and maintaining the innovation inherent in the program.
EOP Services
What Can EOP Do For You?
While services may vary by campus, EOP is a comprehensive program designed to provide participants with outreach, admissions, academic and financial support. EOP participants receive ongoing advising, tutoring, mentoring, and workshops designed to increase retention and graduation rates. Participants also have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills by attending a regional EOP Student Leadership Conference.
EOP also offers a summer program where participants are provided with an opportunity to adjust and transition to the university environment and are introduced to an extensive educational support service network. While strengthening math, English, and other academic skills, the summer program also allows participants to formulate a strong sense of belonging and connectedness to EOP and the university.
Eligible participants may also receive an EOP Grant through the Office of Student Financial Aid.