TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers
The TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers is a federally funded program through the U S Department of Education, designed to assist adults seeking to enhance their educational credentials. These centers provide counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who wish to enter or continue a postsecondary education program. Additionally, the program aims to improve participants’ financial and economic literacy. A key objective is to guide participants through financial aid options, basic financial planning skills, and the application process. Ultimately, the goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants enrolling in postsecondary institutions. For further information, please feel free to review the Department of Education website: Educational Opportunity Centers | U.S. Department of Education
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide the resources and guidance necessary for individuals to make informed decisions about their education, secure financial aid, and achieve their academic and career goals.
Eligibility
Participants must meet one of the following requirements and must not be enrolled in college credit classes at the time of application.:
• Be at least 19 years of age (some exceptions may apply)
• Be from a lower-income background
• Be a potential first-generation college student
• Be a veteran
Advising
Educational Specialists will provide individual advising and serve as your primary contact throughout your time in the program. They will assist you in creating an Individual Learning Plan by discussing your educational, career, and personal goals, followed by a plan of action based on those goals.
Services
The following services are coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Centers:
• Assistance in enabling adults to return to school and pursue post-secondary education
• Dissemination of financial aid and college admissions information
• Assistance in the preparation and completion of financial aid and admission documents
• Loan default assistance
• Career and educational counseling, advisement, and GED referrals
• Advocacy to increase offers of admission and ensure academic support
• Course selection assistance
• Referrals to community agencies, services, organizations, and programs that seek to assist individuals in improving their lives and achieving their goals
• Enrichment workshops, programs, and events that enhance one’s knowledge of their educational opportunities and career potential
All services coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Centers are at no cost to participants.
Checklist
To access the services coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Centers, please follow these steps:
- Complete the application: Complete the TRIO EOC application which includes personal information and details about your educational background and goals.
- Profile Creation/Login: It is required to create a profile or log in to your account to access additional resources or services provided by the TRIO EOC program. Click here: Participants create a profile or log in to your account
- Schedule an Appointment: Click here: mxc-trio-eoc@ccc.edu to arrange a meeting with a TRIO EOC Educational Specialist to discuss your needs and goals. During this appointment, you will create an individualized learning plan tailored to your requirements.
- Follow Through: After developing your individual education plan, ensure you follow through with all paperwork, due dates, referrals, and any other tasks outlined in the plan.
- Contact for Questions: If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the Educational Opportunity Centers for assistance or clarification via email: mxc-trio-eoc@ccc.edu.
Faculty and Staff
Name | Title | Telephone | Office | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tiffany Braxton | Director of Grants – EOC | tbraxton11@ccc.edu | (312) 850-4600 | 1405E |
Karina Garcia | Educational Specialist | kgarcia171@ccc.edu | (312) 850-7101 | 1405 |
Esmerelda Valerio | Educational Specialist | evalerio6@ccc.edu | (312) 850-7112 | 1405-008 |