WELCOME TO THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Jackson State University is a TRiO program dedicated to assisting individuals and families as they navigate the admissions and financial aid processes to gain college/university or vocational/technical school enrollment. We deliver literacy to increase awareness of postsecondary educational opportunities available for central Mississippi’s low-income, first-generation, and/or educationally disadvantaged adult population who desire to pursue a postsecondary education. The EOC assists 850 of these eligible adults residing in our 7 county target area in preparing for entry/reentry into postsecondary educational programs.

 

TRiO EOC Mission Statement

The mission of the Educational Opportunity Center is to provide an alternative delivery system that addresses the different learning styles and needs of traditional and non-traditional participants. Our program encourages students to enhance their learning potential and growth that leads to accessing a post-secondary education. With intention, we work to fulfill this mission for the benefit of the students in Copiah, Hinds, Holmes, Scott, Simpson, Warren and Yazoo Counties.

Eligibility

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?

  • currently enrolled in a two-year program
  • dropped out of high school
  • dropped out of a two or four year college

WHAT CRITERIA MUST ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS MEET?

  • US Citizen

    • US National (includes US Islands and territories)

    • Permanent Resident

    • Eligible Non-Citizen

  • First-Generation (a student whose parent did not complete a 4-year college or university degree)

  • At least 19 years of age (or under with mitigating circumstances)

  • Express a desire to enroll in a program of post-secondary education

If you determine that our program is for you, call 601-979-0336 to schedule an appointment. Our navigators are waiting to assist you! Eligibility into EOC is based on grant funded guidelines by the U.S. Department of Education.

Program Services

Education Information

  • GED test preparation
  • College preparation
  • Full range of career-specific training programs
  • Reference library of academic, career planning, and financial aid information
  • Directories for community colleges, trade schools, and four-year institutions

Financial Aid

  • Federal & State financial aid information
  • Institution, foundation and private scholarship information referral services
  • Serve as a resource to other Community agencies
  • Verification Assistance
  • Information Regarding Defaulted Student Loans and Assistance in Reinstating Financial Aid Eligibility

Advising & Referrals

  • Assist in college majors/degree plans & class selection
  • Two-year colleges & Four-year colleges
  • Vocational & technical schools
  • GED programs
  • Serve as resource to participants for referrals to other community agencies for services the EOC is unable to provide

College Admission

  • College/vocational admissions application assistance
  • Assistance in obtaining admissions documents
  • Information on federal and state financial aid programs
  • Veterans’ education benefits

Career Counseling

  • Provide career planning and setting goals
  • Help with educational counseling
  • Administer interest & career assessments