Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs), comprised of a network of 10 EOCs and two Outreach and Counseling Centers, provide urban communities with academic programs leading to higher education, and vocational training programs leading to employment and economic self-sufficiency. Annually, EOCs enroll approximately 16,000 disadvantaged students, youth 16 and older as well as adults. Forty-five percent receive public assistance; fifty-five percent are disadvantaged workers. Sixty percent are enrolled in academic programs such as Adult Basic Education, English-as a-Second Language, GED, and College Preparation. Fifty-five percent are enrolled in demand driven vocational training programs that result in job placement in entry level, career track employment in such fields as information technology, customer service, and allied health. Educational Opportunity Centers:

• Assist business in upgrading skill levels of incumbent workers
  
• Collaborate with secondary schools to assist youth-at-risk
  
• Provide intergenerational learning programs to strengthen families
  
• Provide access to technology in economically challenged communities

EOCs are funded by state appropriation through the SUNY budget. Centers are primarily in urban areas. School districts and CBOs can participate by contacting an EOC or SUNY.
Contact: William Chalmers – (518) 443-5793; chalmerb@spo.rf.suny.edu

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides academic and financial support to New York State residents with a high school diploma or its equivalent, who do not meet the regular academic criteria of the host institution, but have the potential to earn a college degree. The program funds 47 programs at 47 SUNY campuses statewide, benefiting approximately 11,000 students age 18 and above. To be eligible for an EOP program, an individual must be a New York State resident; must be ineligible for college admission under traditional standards but must have demonstrated potential for completing a college program; and must be in need of financial assistance based on income guidelines. The Educational Opportunity Program is funded by state appropriation through the SUNY budget. Contact: Robert James – (518) 443-5369; jamesr@sysadm.suny.edu