Extended Opportunities Program and Services (EOPS) is a program meant to help you as a student succeed on your academic journey. If you are in need of financial help, EOPS offers aid in the form of book grants, fee waivers, or even free supplies (backpacks, notebooks, binders etc.). EOPS even offers academic help to you for no extra cost.
When you join EOPS, you are required to have three scheduled meetings with their wonderful staff of academic counselors each semester. During these meetings, you will discuss what classes you need to take, what career paths you are interested in, transfer opportunities (if you plan to do so), and set up your Student Education Plan (SEP). Participating in EOPS will allow you to register for classes earlier than most non-EOPS students. These meetings are also meant for students to address any concerns or questions about college in general. The welcoming staff makes sure you leave that appointment feeling more reassured than when you came in.
EOPS is located in the A-Building at College of Alameda, and there are offices located at Berkeley City College, Laney College, and Merritt College (see links to their websites below), as well as other colleges & universities here in California. EOPS is a state-wide program, funded and created by California, and aims to help students who come from all sorts of disadvantaged backgrounds. Whether it is an educational gap, economic struggles, or still adjusting to a new language like English, EOPS was designed to help those in need by hiring accommodating staff, offering financial opportunities, and providing special services. If you are planning to transfer, you will find similar EOPS benefits wherever you go.
As the 2025 Spring semester is coming to an end and Fall 2025 is around the corner, applications are opening up once more! Whether you are a college freshman or a student who’s been here for however many years, you can apply for EOPS this coming semester and get access to all benefits if you meet the eligibility requirements. For College of Alameda students, you will need to send your application through the CoA website or ask the EOPS front desk in building-A to print you an application. Once you receive your acceptance letter via email, register for either the in-person or online orientations they have to offer. It is mandatory that you attend this orientation, or you will be dropped from the program as it is the only way to receive your mutual responsibility contract to sign. After you’ve signed your contract, you will be given a scheduled appointment with one of their lovely academic counselors in which you should ask any questions, address any concerns, and begin setting up your SEP. This will count as one of the three appointments you are required to attend in order to stay in the EOPS program. Even if you are already in one of the many student support programs such as UMOJA, SALAAM, or PUENTE, you can still join EOPS and remain in both programs. After all, EOPS oversees most of the student support programs here at College of Alameda.
Submit your application today, and hopefully, EOPS will see you at the start of Fall 2025! Their office hours are from 8am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. If you submit your application and do not receive your acceptance letter, please contact the front desk at 510-748-2219 to discuss the next steps.
Editor’s Note: 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of EOPS. Students and alumni from each of the Peralta Colleges will be addressing the Board of Trustees during their April 8th meeting, and we will be sharing student and alumni stories about their EOPS experiences throughout the rest of the Spring 2025 semester. For more information about EOPS opportunities, visit their websites:
