Program Overview

Educational Opportunity Program

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) was created in the late 1960s through legislation in response to economic and social barriers that prevented underrepresented students from attaining a college education. Statewide, EOP CSU programs continue to re-envision how best to maintain and broaden access to education and various support services.

History of EOP

• 1969: SJSU's program began in the fall of 1969 with fewer than 200 students. At that time, the campus atmosphere was fraught with tension within the administrative and academic structures, as well as between the institution and student organizations.
• 1970s: In the early 1970s, the separate EOPs were integrated into one centralized unit. By the end of the 1970s, EOP at SJSU had grown into a more viable program and became the model program, which had significant impact on the campus and in the community.
• 1980s: The seeds of change planted in the 1960s and nourished in the 1970s started to bear fruit in this decade. This was a hopeful time. By the early 1980s, EOP was an established Student Affairs Department. Growing numbers of EOP students were being admitted to SJSU.
• 1990s: In spite of the progress made, challenges prevalent throughout the 1990s threatened the hard-won gains. In California, Propositions 187, 227, and 209 had a chilling effect on program development and access to education for underrepresented students, many of whom come from low-income families.
• 2000s: The 2002 administration made the decision to streamline all EOP services, which stripped away all dedicated EOP services and funding. In 2008, SJSU faculty and staff organized to demand the full restoration of EOP. In 2009, an EOP Advisory Board was formed, and members advocated for the following as baseline requirements for EOP: one MPP level Director, a designated space, a budget, and an institutionalized EOP Council with representatives from the task force.
• 2010s: EOP was on a path to reestablishing itself on the SJSU campus. In 2010, the administration reinstated dedicated funding to support rebuilding the program. An EOP Director was appointed in mid-2010 and was charged with evaluating the program and determining what programmatic changes were necessary and what the future plan for EOP would be.

Program Details

• EOP systematically rebuilt each related component of the program over a six-year period. From EOP-specific admissions, First Contact, Summer Bridge, Academic Advising, a Tutoring Center, and a variety of coaching and mentoring programs (ACES, NSM, and ICIW), EOP has shown its commitment to student success and retention.
• In Fall 2018, EOP began the EOP Transfer Connect Program, which provides pivotal guidance and resources to first-year transfers during their transition to SJSU. The program supports students in synthesizing their diverse life experiences and skill sets into pursuing academic, career, and personal advancement.
• EOP continues to serve first-generation, low-income students on campus with a variety of support services. The student population has grown to approximately 2700 students. EOP also provides EOP presentations to prospective local high school and community college groups.

Services and Support

• EOP provides a range of services, including:
  • Pre-collegiate recruiting and pre-admission advising
  • Academic orientation
  • Tutoring
  • Skills development and test preparation
  • Summer bridge programs for freshmen and transfer students
  • Career counseling
  • EOP grants
• The Guardian Scholars Program (GSP), which serves former foster youth on the SJSU campus, is also part of EOP. GSP students receive additional support, including a dedicated lounge space, a basic needs and food pantry, and a dedicated professional to assist with non-academic needs.