Like many other students, Stephen Hebrard is an overcomer. He is passionate about excelling in his education and is willing to face the challenges as they come - head on. As one of the assistant coaches for the Men’s basketball team at College of Alameda, Hebrard shares how EOPs has not only been a wonderful resource for his players, but even for himself.
EOPS is available to assist students with support services like early registration, academic counseling, career guidance, tutoring, book grants, transfer assistance, and much more. The EOPS program welcomes all eligible students at all 4 of Peralta’s campuses: Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.
For more information on EOPS, or to apply, please visit: https://www.peralta.edu/eops
For more information on College of Alameda, please visit: https://www.alameda.edu/
If you’re interested in playing basketball at College of Alameda, please visit: https://alameda.edu/athletics/mens-basketball/
Hear how EOPS is helping Stephen Hebrard reach his dream of returning to UC Berkeley!
Below is a written transcript:
“I was accepted to the EOPS program right away. They have a great team here. I first heard about it from one of my basketball players—he told me he was a part of the program, and that sparked some interest for me because I'm in a similar situation, although he's a player and I'm a coach. I wanted to take advantage of that opportunity as well.
They provide a lot. For me, in particular, it was the hands-on academic counseling that made me feel like I wasn’t just another face. They also provided vouchers for those of us with food insecurities, like myself, so we could get a hot meal. They assist with transportation, and they’re currently helping me with housing because I'm unhoused as we speak.
They give you that foundation of support when things get tough—something that puts you back in a good place, that momentum to succeed. At this point in my life, I need that kind of foundation and support. I’ve come to them numerous times, and they’ve always been right there.
This journey started a long time ago. I’m here in Alameda now, and while I serve as a basketball coach, I’m going to transfer back to the University of California at Berkeley and continue my journey.”
Editor’s Note: 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of EOPS. Students and alumni from each of the Peralta Colleges shared stories with the Board of Trustees at their April 8, 2025 meeting, and we will be sharing student and alumni stories about their EOPS experiences throughout the rest of the Fall 2025 semester. For more information about EOPS opportunities, visit their websites:
