Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

According to the California Community Colleges, Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) was created to help students who are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged.

Our Cerro Coso Community College EOPS program was developed in 1975 to give students with financial and academic need an opportunity to achieve their dreams!

Apply Today!

To apply for EOPS, complete the following:

1. Financial Aid: Complete the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
   1. Visit the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website for more details or contact the Cerro Coso Financial Aid Department.
      
      
2. Transcripts: Submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
3. Units: Be enrolled in 12 units for the Fall, 12 units for the Spring, or 4 units for the Summer semester.

   
   Then, complete the Access Programs Application to see if you qualify!

   Access Programs Application

Services, Resources, and Benefits

The following services are available to EOPS students, contingent upon their individual financial needs, as determined by financial aid and through their yearly FAFSA or California Dream Act.

• Priority Registration for Classes: students can have priority registration for classes if they also complete the core components outlined on the Registration page.
• Book Vouchers: students in good standing with EOPS can receive a book voucher every semester to pay for required textbooks, amount may vary. Students can also receive a one-time reimbursement for textbooks already purchased for the semester.
• Grants: a grant is typically given in the Spring and Fall semesters; amount may vary.
• ASB Cards and PTK Membership: students can request that their ASB Card and/or PTK Membership fees are paid through the EOPS Program.
• Field Trips and Activities: students are invited to attend our semesterly field trips, workshops, and other activities either online or on campus.
• Laptop or Book Loans: students may receive laptop or book loans if available and if applicable.
• Bus Passes: students can request to receive a Bus Pass to assist with transportation.
• Peer Mentoring: Peer Mentors meet with students throughout the semester to offer support and encouragement.
• Study Hall: Study Hall is available to students in any of the Access Programs who are interested in tutoring and additional help with assignments.
• Support Staff: an assigned EOPS Counselor to guide you towards academic and/or career success and the assistance of all Access Support Staff.

EOPS Qualifications

• FAFSA or CADAA:
  • Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application. Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA or CADAA application - visit the FAFSA website for more details or contact the Cerro Coso Financial Aid Department.
• Transcripts:
  • Submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
  • Official transcripts should be sent to CC Admissions and Records at cc_ar@cerrocoso.edu.
• Units:
  • Be enrolled in at least 12 units for the Fall, 12 units for the Spring, or 4 units for the Summer semester.
  • Have completed less than 70 degree-applicable units.
• Residency:
  • Be a California resident or an AB 540 California Dreamer.
• Educational Need
  • Educational need or disadvantage is determined by the Access Programs Office based on guidelines established by the California Community Colleges Title 5 Section 56270.

Program Requirements

Students who are accepted into the EOPS Program commit to completing both Academic and Participatory requirements each semester.

• Orientation: Upon acceptance into the program, attend an EOPS Orientation and sign the EOPS Mutual Responsibility Contract (MRC).
• Program Approval: each semester, complete a Program Approval with an Access Counselor.
• Activities: each semester, attend at least 2 EOPS-approved activities.
• Counselor Contacts: each semester, have 3 total contacts with your counselor.
• Education Plan: each semester, complete or update your Educational Plan with an Access Counselor.
• Progress Report: each semester, review your progress reports with an Access Assistant or Access Counselor.
• Semester GPA: maintain a semester GPA of 2.0
• Attempted Units: complete at least 50% of units attempted each semester

Note: Non-compliance with your EOPS requirements may result in the termination of your EOPS services.

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Contact Information

Access Programs Department
3000 College Heights Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Phone: (760) 384-6250
Email: accessprograms@cerrocoso.edu
Fax: (760) 384-6320