TRIO Educational Opportunity Center

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.      

Mission Statement
To provide support services for qualified participants who aspire to enter or continue a program of post-secondary education.​         

Eligibility          

Participants must reside in the city of Chicago. Participants must meet one of the following requirements:
• 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 during your time with the program.  They will assist you in creating an Individual Learning Plan by discussing your educational, career, and personal goals.  A plan of action will then be created based on  the goals you identify.

Services     

The following services are coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Center:          

• 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 Center are free of charge to participants.

Checklist      

To make use of the services coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Center, please do the following:          

• Complete the application​: Fill out the TRIO EOC application. The form 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. Clich here: Participants ​create a profile or log in to your account​​
• Schedule an Appointment: Arrange a meeting with a TRIO EOC Educational Specialist to discuss your needs and goals. During this appointment, you will create an individual learning plan tailored to your requirements.
• Follow Through: Once you’ve developed your individual education plan, ensure you follow through with all the paperwork, due dates, referrals, and any other tasks outlined in the plan.
• Contact for Queries: If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the Educational Opportunity Center for assistance or clarification.​​​​

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