EOP Trailblazer, Ralph W. Dawson
Ralph W. Dawson began his journey with EOP while working on his masters at UCLA in 1968. He was asked to develop recruitment and outreach for the college, and this would later be known as EOP. Mr. Daw...
The CSU EOP’s 50th anniversary is a celebration of students who shaped California’s history through activism and social justice. It is an observance of those who made access to higher education a reality and an opportunity to recognize those who continue this movement today and for those who will lead us into the future.
EOP will continue to increase the access, academic excellence and retention of students who have been historically underserved through its ongoing tradition of changing lives through continuous innovation.
EOP 50th Anniversary Commemorative Video
Find out more about the
EOP 50th Anniversary Conference 2019
See what is in store for the 2019 EOP 50th Anniversary Conference
A Message from EOP Directors
A statement from the California State University, Educational Opportunity Program Directors Association
EOP Trailblazer, Randall (Randy) Senzaki
Randall (Randy) K. Senzaki, was born in a Japanese-American internment camp, a painful reminder of inherent racism that served as an impetus to his lifelong dedication to activism and as a steadfast l...
EOP Trailblazer, Ricardo Torres
Ricardo Torres’ journey in education began in 1972 when he graduated from Sac State. At the time, he was employed by the Sacramento City Unified School District as a Compensatory Education Analyst. ...
EOP Trailblazer, Augustine “Gus” Chavez
Dedicated to social and educational justice and equality, Mr. Chavez was the founding director of San Diego State University’s Office of Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs. He also ...
EOP Trailblazer, Nadine Chavez
Nadine Chavez was born and raised in San Bernardino, California. She attended San Bernardino Valley College, earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature and a teaching credential from the Unive...
EOP Trailblazer, Dr. Walter Hawkins
Dr. Walter Hawkins served as an administrator at CSU, San Bernardino for thirty-three years. During his tenure at CSUSB, he was the Upward Bound Director, the EOP Director, and the Director of Researc...
EOP Trailblazer, Dr. Becky Hopkins
Becky Hopkins graduated in spring of 1969 from Montebello High School. In her senior year, she applied to California State College Los Angeles and to the Educational Opportunity Program. Becky was acc...
EOP Trailblazer, Maxine McDonald
Maxine McDonald’s journey with the Educational Opportunity Program began in November 1983. Fresh out of graduate school, McDonald was eager to fulfill her dream of helping people to live high functi...
EOP Trailblazer, David Sandoval
David Sandoval was the former Director of the Cal State L.A. Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) from 1981-2008. An EOP graduate, Sandoval entered the program in 1969 as a special admit student. Dur...
EOP Trailblazer, Taft Talmadge Newman Jr.
Taft T. Newman was the director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) from 1991 to 1999. Prior to that he worked with EOP as a counselor-in...
EOP Trailblazer, Dr. Tom M. Rivera
Dr. Tom M. Rivera, or “Dr. Tom,” as he is commonly referred to, has over 47 years of experience in the field of education, including teaching as a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching at the elemen...
EOP Trailblazer, Frank Urquidez
In July of 1972, Frank Urquidez began his academic career as an Educational Opportunity Program student. He transitioned to a student assistant in 1974 and worked under James Clayton who helped establ...
EOP Trailblazer, José Luis Vargas
José Luis Vargas was born in Mexico City in 1949. Shortly after Mr. Vargas was born, his family settled in Echo Park, in the heart of Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Belmont High School an...
EOP Trailblazer, Dr. Joseph White
In 1962, Dr. Joseph White began his tenure as a CSULB professor for the Psychology department. He was the second African-American professor at CSULB. Dr. White noticed that there was a very small numb...
50
Years Of Changing Lives
Since 1969, EOP has been committed to proving educational access and opportunity for low-income and
educationally disadvantaged students throughout California, the majority of whom are first-generation college students.
Meet Some of our EOP Students and Alumni
EOP students and alumni share their stories from all over the CSU.
Ariana Martinez
When I think about EOP I think about all the students that have reached their goals due to the amazing guidance and support they have received from the program. When I attended the summer bridge progr...
Jaylan Hicks
When I think about EOP, I don’t think of just one story. I think of perseverance through adversity, family-oriented morals and beliefs, and a love for giving back to the community. EOP has changed m...
Angelica Amezcua
It is difficult to choose one memory because my experiences as an EOP student are the foundation of my academic and personal journey. EOP gave me a second opportunity to higher education and gave me t...
Walter Harris
The most vivid memory I have of EOP is my first year after completing the Summer Bridge program. As I journeyed through my freshmen year at CSUN I was having a hard time managing my school work and wh...
Manuel Cardoza
The first memory I have of EOP is Summer Bridge. Summer Bridge helped me prepare for what was awaiting me at the University; not just the work, but also the freedom that comes from living in a Univers...
Cheryl-Marie Hansberger
What memory or story comes to mind when you think about EOP or your experience with EOP? I was told, “when you graduate you will enlist in the Marine Corp or go to College and the Corps is no place ...
Rogelio Salazar
EOP was a welcoming space where I met supportive staff that empowered my undergraduate experience while I broke through educational barriers as a first generation Latinx student. When I reflect on EOP...
Louis Adamsel
EOP was the stepping stone I needed to get acclimated to college life, and when I think about college life as a whole EOP was the one thing that was consistent from year to year. EOP brings many memor...
Christian Tripp
I joined EOP at San Diego State University (SDSU) as a freshman during Fall 2007, where Chia Her counseled me. When I started at SDSU, I was a misguided, aimless student, and felt like I was going to ...
Valerie Cleary
EOP was the foundation of my college experience. Every college memory I have ties back to the relationships I made through participation in the program – from friends, my sorority, to campus job...
Sommer Hayes
Thinking of the EOP family at Chico State often brings tears of joy and happiness—without this program I would not have graduated from college. The support EOP provided me can be compared to a “li...
Alisha Romesha
When I think of EOP the first thing that comes to my mind is that I did not know what was in store for me. As a first-generation college student in my family, coming from a financially disadvantaged b...
Hank Guitierrez
When I reflect back on my first college experience at Fresno State in the fall of 1988, EOP represented the “safety net” for success that I so desperately needed. Growing up with a single mother w...
Elvia Rodriguez
I grew up in a small town in California’s Central Valley where the norm was to work in agriculture or the service industry. I knew I had to go to college, somehow, so I worked hard in school, I earn...
Benita Washington
One of my career accomplishments that I am proud of is developing the school social work position for Fresno Unified School District. In my role as an attendance, I recognized that poor attendance was...
Chami Vang
A memory that comes to mind when I think about EOP is Summer Bridge! At first, I was not excited about attending summer school, but I knew that it would help me get ahead and it did. I was able to con...
Luisa Sicairos
I first heard about EOP when I was just starting at City College of San Francisco; however, I heard about EOP a little too late. EOP at CCSF had so many different opportunities and financial support f...
Cynthia Ruiz
Cynthia Ruiz grew up in Highland Park. She graduated from Cal State LA in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies and rehabilitation counseling, and in 1980 with a master’s in rehabil...
Moyofune Shabazz
“I became fully aware of my college options because of Margie Garcia. She had such an electrifying college center at Baldwin Park High School. She had me apply to all the Cal States. Senior year, pe...
Zsanna Lorenzo
The first memory that comes to mind is my first experience at Grad Forum at UC Merced. I will never forget how inspiring and welcoming the event was. It truly helped my get over a great fear of moving...
Vanesa Hernandez
The Educational Opportunity Program genuinely made a positive impact throughout my educational path. I experienced several unforgettable memories with the program; one specific memory that remains wit...
Sandra Barojas Renteria
Being a First-Generation student, coming from a Mexican background, the only thing I knew was that I was the first in my family to graduate high school and go to an “adult school,” college. I had ...
Richard Ian Cruz Rodrigo
I’ve met with at least two handful advisors throughout my time with CCSF/SFSU and none of them got to help and understand me the way Arlene did. Every meeting with her was actually helpful an...
Senator Ricardo Lara
How can I forget all those times of panic and despair trying to navigate course selection, financial aid issues, and personal dilemmas. Ever so calm and collected my EOP Counselor Beth Crawford...
Michale Hamlin
Reminiscing back to my time at Cal Poly Pomona in the Educational Opportunity Program, I remember all the smiling faces who were encouraging; always uplifting and positive. It was support that ...
Laura Vazquez
When I think about EOP, I think about our graduation ceremony. This ceremony was meaningful and emotional because I was surrounded by familiar faces; peers, family, and friends that became fami...
Maria Angelica
EOP was my academic gift that I always knew I wanted and did not know existed. I am eternally grateful to the EOP staff years ago, that recognized the work ethic (and potential) of a young girl...
Kristie Snell
Moving to a new town, being financially independent, and having little to no knowledge about college life was overwhelming for me. I also did not know what I wanted to do with my life. There wa...
David “Chino” Contreras
The memories which come to mind when I think of EOP is running into EOP Mentors throughout campus and having them be supportive and taking time to ask about my day, or how I was doing. I recall...
Nadir Vissanjy
Nasir graduated from Sonoma State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, in 2007. Nadir’s Message: When I think of EOP, I experience a great sense of joy and pride. EOP is such an im...
Edgar Martinez
Edgar graduated from California State University Channel Islands with a B.A. in Spanish, in 2017. He currently works as a Financial Aid Specialist at California State University Channel Islands.  ...
Cindy Perez
Cindy graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in International Security and Conflict, in 2010 Cindy’s Message: I have many fond memories of the EOP staff. My first connect...
Patterson Emesibe
Patterson graduated from CSU Monterey Bay with a B.A. in Psychology in 2014, he now works as a Mental Health Worker. Patterson’s Message: When I think of EOP, I think about Summer Bridge – I r...
Agustin Rangel-Gonzalez
Agustin graduated from California State University Channel Islands with a B.A. in Communication, in 2017. He currently works as the Educational Advisor for TRIO Upward Bound at California State Univer...
Jessica Moreno
Jessica graduated from Humboldt State University with a B.A. in Psychology in 2012. She currently works as a Student Counselor and Sexual Health Education Teacher in Monduli District, Tanzania Jessica...
Tara Block
Tara currently attends San Diego State University and is pursuing a degree in Public Administration. When I think of EOP I think of the first day I walked into the office and how that small act has ma...
Evelyn Lievanos
My thoughts on the Educational Opportunity Program are filled with incredible memories, from day one when I began the Summer Bridge Academy that smoothly transitioned into my First Academic Year in Fa...
Christopher Lizaola-Valdez
When I think of EOP I think about the program, the staff, and the student mentors who support the students. I also think of the environment it has for students to study, a place dedicated for them. Th...
Yanel Cardozo
My hometown is Sacramento and I came to HSU in 2015 and I am majoring in Criminology and Justice Studies. I am in my 3rd year and have been a Retention Through Academic Mentoring (RAMP) mentor and an ...
Eric Chavez
The story that comes to mind when I think of SDSU EOP happened during my very first day of the Transfer Bridge program. I remember checking in and picking up my folder and I was also given a SDSU cata...
Celina Ramirez Herrera
Celina is the third in a family of four children. She struggled academically at Weston Ranch High School in Stockton, but has become a stellar student at Cal State LA. “I didn’t become aware of co...
Christian Anderson
When I think of EOP, I think of registering for college my senior year in high school. I was in a program called Upward Bound which gave me a lot of support during my high school years. Being a first ...
Alleea Griffin
I started attending CSU, Stanislaus in fall of 2014. I came from a small town called Carpinteria, which is about 6 hours away from campus. As the first person in my family to attend college, I was ver...
Jose Sanchez
When I think of EOP, I always remember when I first arrived at the California State University Maritime Academy for orientation week and felt very isolated. A majority of the students at school don’...
Marie Alonzo
EOP has always been there to help me through my journey. Not only am I attending school as a student/student assistant, I also have a teenager and an adult child that I am supporting. EOP has and is h...
Graciela Santamaria
I am so glad that EOP is a part of my higher education career. I am a third year social work major at CSU, Long Beach. my fondest memory so far of EOP is that they have been very instrumental in suppo...
Ricky Vang
Thinking about EOP, the story that comes to mind is the journey to success with many failures before success. The story contains more failures than successes because the failures build you as a person...
Miguel Aguirre
When I think about EOP, I just think of all the people who have made me feel welcomed and made me feel like I belong at Fresno state. EOP has provided me and many other students the ability to connect...
Megan Thomas
When I think about EOP, I see the opportunities and success I have made here at CSU Sacramento. There were a lot of factors in my life that I felt held me back from achieving the type of success I rea...
Mario Mendoza
EOP is giving me a home away from home. EOP has given me many opportunities to grow in my academic and personal life. I am grateful that the program has given me the position to be their Student Ambas...
Karina Valencia Torres
I remember my freshman year and being so lost in what to expect from college. Being a first-generation college student and not knowing who to ask advice for is a scary feeling. Luckily meeting my advi...
Brian Castillo
When I was doing my applications, I went to talk to my college counselor, and he told me about Educational Opportunity Program. He told me to apply because they could help me out since it was program ...
Linnette Chavez
Linnette Chavez, freshman year was at California State University, Northridge(CSUN) and currently in her third year. She was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, in the city of Van Nuys fifthte...
Manuela Gonzalez-Antonio
Manuela currently attends Sonoma State University and is pursuing a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Spanish. Manuela’s Message: Mi Vida with EOP Starting my journey as a first-generat...
Jasmine Jacquez
After graduating from Junior College with honors, Jasmine began her academic journey at Sacramento State University in 2017. Jasmine’s Message: My name is Jasmine Jacquez, I’m 22 years old ...
Omar Rios
Omar began his college journey in 2015, he is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at CSU Sacramento. Omar’s Message: When I think about EOP, I think back about attending Summer Bridge in 2015. EOP...
Jasmine Gaminio
Jasmine is currently attending California State University Channel Islands, working at her B.S. in Biology. Jasmine’s Message: If I could describe in one word what EOP means to me, I would describe ...
Jackie Espinoza
Jackie began her college journey in 2014, starting out as a pre-nursing major. However, she discovered her passion for English and changed majors to English with an emphasis in Education. Jackie’s M...
Meet the CSU EOPs
There is an Educational Opportunity Program in every California State University
