Cerritos College

Campus Connection 

November 2, 2009

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EOPS Hosts Open House Celebrating 40 Years of Student Success

The Extended Opportunity Programs and Service (EOPS) Office hosted an Open House commemorating its 40^th anniversary on Wednesday, October 21, in the EOPS office.

The entire Cerritos College community was invited to attend the EOPS Open House event. EOPS staff greeted attendees and answered general questions about the EOPS Program. Participants were treated to popcorn and refreshments.  Additionally, event souvenirs such as t-shirts, mints, and pens were distributed to attendees.

Attendees were able to view work completed by EOPS students and learn about programs and services offered.  Students also had the opportunity to write on the board how EOPS has helped them while at Cerritos College.  Comments written by students on the board included the following:

“EOPS helped me believe in myself and step forward in the right direction.”

“EOPS linked me to other campus resources which eventually helped me transfer.”

“The EOPS counselors are great! They helped me plan out my educational and career goals each semester so I felt confident knowing what my next step would be.”

The year 2009 represents the 40^th anniversary of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS).  The EOPS program strives to serve students affected by language, social, and economic barriers.  California legislators passed Assembly Bill 164 in 1969 EOPS became an integral part of the community college system, recruiting and retaining students who may not have had the opportunity to complete their college degree.  The programs and services provided by EOPS supplement the college’s educational programs which facilitate the successful completion of the students’ educational goals and objectives.  The EOPS program prides itself in providing “Over and Above” programs and services. 

“The Cerritos College EOPS houses nearly 1,100 students,” said Yvette Tafoya, interim director of EOPS.  “We provide outreach, orientation and priority registration services.  Counseling and advisement services are also offered each semester for students.”

EOPS recognizes that contact with EOPS staff and counselors is an integral part of student success.  Counseling services are key in identifying and removing educational barriers for EOPS students.  Extended Opportunity Programs and Services also provides book grants, transfer assistance, and CSU and UC application fee waivers.  Among the programs offered by EOPS at Cerritos College are the Achievement in Mathematics (AIM), Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE), Orientation and Educational Planning Courses, Summer Bridge, and Supplemental Instruction (SI).

For additional information about the EOPS Program, visit www.cerritos.edu/eops.

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