Educational Opportunity Center

Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) 
At a Glance

East Central University’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is a federally funded TRIO program that has been proudly serving adult learners since 1991. As one of 138 EOC programs nationwide—reaching more than 158,000 individuals—ECU’s EOC provides essential support to qualified adults who want to enter, re-enter, or continue their education.

Our program primarily serves low-income, first-generation, or displaced adults, including those earning under $24,000 annually. All services are free to eligible participants.

What We Offer

EOC counselors are dedicated to helping adult learners gain the skills and support needed to pursue higher education or vocational training. Services include:

• Admissions and financial aid counseling
• FAFSA completion and financial planning
• Scholarship search assistance
• Help with college or technical school applications
• GED testing fee assistance
• College and tech school application fee assistance

We are committed to empowering individuals to create brighter futures for themselves and their families through education.

Our Mission

The mission of East Central University’s Educational Opportunity Center is to assist low-income, first-generation adult learners in applying for and enrolling in postsecondary education. We provide guidance on:

• Federal, state, and local financial aid applications
• Admissions to colleges, universities, and technology centers
• Persistence and completion of educational programs

Our Core Values and Beliefs

We believe:

• Every individual has value and deserves respect
• Personal accountability, creativity, and resourcefulness are key to success
• High expectations must be matched with meaningful support
• Community and connection foster growth and achievement
• Leadership development thrives in a supportive and challenging environment
• Student-centered, learning-focused services help learners overcome adversity
• Education empowers individuals to thrive in a diverse and complex world