EOPS
PROGRAM HISTORY
Summary
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) originated from the roots of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Established in 1969 through Senate Bill 164 and officially launched across 46 campuses in Spring 1970, it was designed to equalize educational opportunities for California Community College students facing severe economic, social, and educational barriers. Today, EOPS continues to provide “Over and Above” resources and services to students across over 110 campuses statewide!
Program Timeline
1969-1970 | Program Conception & Launch
Senate Bill 164 is introduced in 1969, legally establishing Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) to provide financial and academic aid “over, above, and in addition” to standard college offerings! In Spring 1970, the first EOPS programs were officially launched across 46 California community colleges.
1971 | The Symbol
The Executive Committee of the California Community College EOPS Association adopted the Nickel and the Nail as the official symbol of aid and encouragement offered to students.
1982 | CARE
The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) is created by Assembly Bill 3103 as a supplemental program specifically supporting students who are academically under-prepared, welfare-dependent, and/or single heads of household.
Learn more about the CARE Program!
1997-1998 | CalWORKs
The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is created by the Welfare-to-Work Act of 1997 and officially implemented in 1998. The program is expanded to community colleges statewide, often operating in tandem with EOPS to offer holistic welfare-to-work support.
Learn more about the CalWORKs Program!
2003-2004 | Budget Crisis
Proposed budget cuts threaten to eliminate college outreach programs, including Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). Thanks to statewide student and staff advocacy, the proposed cuts are overturned.
2006-2008 | FYSI
The Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) is created in 2006 through a collaboration between the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges to support foster youth in higher education, officially launching state-wide in February 2007. Fullerton College’s FYSI program is established under the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) umbrella in Fall 2008.
Learn more about the FYSI Program!
2019 | Celebrating 50 Years
EOPS marks 50 years of providing “Over and Above” educational access and equity to millions of students!
Present Day
EOPS has grown significantly and now operates at all California Community Colleges (over 110 campuses statewide). It, as well as its supplemental programs, are recognized as vital to community college and university retention across California.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: By appointment only
Closed on Fridays, Sundays and campus holidays.