Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
Allan Hancock College Board Policy 5150
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program which offers “over and above” support services and financial assistance to educationally and economically disadvantaged students to help them succeed in college. Students receive assistance with academic counseling, advising, tutoring, and help navigating the financial aid process. An eligible student may receive a cash grant, book voucher, food card, priority registration, and/or graduation regalia. EOPS students are invited to attend workshops and annual social and cultural activities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for EOPS, a student must meet EOPS income and educational criteria as determined by Title 5 guidelines:
- be a California resident or be exempt from paying non-resident tuition pursuant to section 68130.5 of the Education Code;
- be enrolled as a full-time student (typically a minimum of 12 units, or four units in any summer session). The EOPS director may authorize up to 10 percent of the EOPS students accepted to be enrolled for 9 units, or have Learning Assistance Program (LAP) certification for a reduced unit load as a student with a verified disability, or be determined full-time equivalent (typically a minimum of 9 units) as a CARE or NextUp participant;
- have not completed more than 70 units of degree-applicable credit coursework in any combination of postsecondary higher education institutions;
- qualify to receive the California College Promise Grant (A, B, or C with estimated family contribution of $0); and
- be educationally disadvantaged as determined by the EOPS director or designee. In making that determination, one or more of the following factors shall be considered:
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- not qualified for enrollment into the minimum level English or mathematics course that is applicable to the associate degree
- not have graduated from high school or obtained the General Education Diploma (GED)
- graduated from high school with a grade point average below 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
- have been previously enrolled in remedial education
- other factors set forth in Hancock's EOPS Plan submitted to the Chancellor’s Office pursuant to Title 5 Section 56270.
To remain eligible to receive programs and services, students are required to:
- Apply for state and federal aid (FAFSA or CADAA) pursuant to the file completion procedures established at Hancock.
- Maintain academic progress towards a certificate, associate degree, or transfer goal per the academic standards established by Hancock.
- Sign a Mutual Responsibility Contract.
- Complete a comprehensive student educational plan.
- Provide financial documentation within 60 days of acceptance into the EOPS program as required by the Hancock’s financial aid policies and procedures.
- Participate in a minimum of three contact sessions per semester with their EOPS counselor of which one of the three session can also be with paraprofessional staff:
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- First: Prepare, review, or update student educational plan and Mutual Responsibility Contract.
- Second: In-Term contact session to assess academic progress and needs.
- Third: Exit session to assess success of student in reaching objectives of term and make future plans.
Student Eligibility for EOPS Financial Aid Awards: To receive EOPS financial aid assistance students must be EOPS eligible at the time of acceptance and demonstrate financial need as determined by Financial Aid office.
Applications may be obtained from the EOPS website at www.hancockcollege.edu/eops. Bilingual services are provided upon request.
The EOPS office is located on the Santa Maria campus in bldg. A201 and the Lompoc
Valley Center in bldg. 1, Room 103.
Santa Maria: 805-922-6966 ext. 3214
Lompoc Valley Center: 805-735-3366 ext. 5206