EOP History
The Educational Opportunity Program was created in the late 1960’s in response to economic and social barriers preventing minorities and underrepresented students from attaining a college education.
As a result of this hard fought, student-led campaign, Senate Bill 1072 was passed in April of 1969.
Today, there is an EOP in all 23 California State University campuses. The program continues to provide access and various support services for students from first generation, historically low-income, disadvantaged backgrounds.
1960
Civil Rights Movement
As the intensity of the Civil Rights Movement grew in the 1960's, one of the emerging issues was the lack of access to higher education for a segment of the population in our communities.
These individuals had the motivation and desire to obtain a four-year university degree, but lacked the financial means and academic support to encourage their success. These individuals also came from families whose members had never had the university experience and therefore were unable to provide the proper guidance in seeking opportunities in higher education.
1969
Senate Bill 1072 is passed
The bill begins with, “The people of the State of California do enact as follows: Chapter 3.4 State College Educational Opportunity Program - There is a state student assistance program which shall be known as the State College Educational Opportunity Program. It shall be the purpose of the program to provide…grants and, where appropriate, educational assistance for students who are economically disadvantaged, but who display potential for success in accredited curricula offered by the California State Colleges….”
1985
Summer Bridge
The EOP Summer Bridge program is established in the CSU, with all campuses implementing intensive academic summer programs designed to advance student readiness as they enter into college.
2000
CSU EOP Directors initiate state-wide meetings
With numerous legislative actions rolling back affirmative action in California during the mid 1990’s (Prop 187, 209), EOP Directors act in earnest to create unification of EOP programs across all of the CSU campuses. Acting as a unified voice for the needs of EOP students, EOP directors have continued to meet regularly to share best-practices, to create uniformity among EOP programs, and to advocate on behalf of low-income and educationally disadvantaged communities in California.
2003
Proposed Elimination of Outreach Programs
Governor Schwarzenegger proposes the elimination of college outreach programs, which includes funding for EOP and EOPS programs in California. Thousands of protestors fill the Capitol Lawns, hallways, and offices. The proposed cuts are overturned.
2011
California Dream Act
Establishes eligibility for undocumented students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid, including EOP grants and services.