Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there any cost for EOC services?
A: No. EOC is a federal TRIO program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). As a result, all EOC services are free of charge.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the program?
A: EOC targets adults, age 19 and older, which meet income guidelines and will be the first in their families to obtain a four-year college degree. Eligible adults must be a resident of one of the following 10 counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Washington and Westmoreland. The program may serve a limited number of individuals that do not meet the low-income, first-generation college guidelines so please call an EOC office near you for more information on program qualifications. Go to contact us on the EOC homepage.
Q: How can a prospective participant meet with an Educational Counselor if he or she does not live near an EOC office?
A: As EOC is a community-based program, EOC staff can meet with prospective participants through a network of satellite sites located in adult education centers, CareerLinks, and various programs and community-based agencies within the program’s (9)-county target area. Call to find the location nearest you. Go to contact us on the EOC homepage.
Q: Does EOC provide money to enroll in a postsecondary institution?
A: No. EOC assists participants in applying for financial aid and in identifying alternative sources of funding to attend postsecondary programs and institutions.
Q: Does EOC provide services to individuals who are only interested in enrolling at Penn State University?
A: No. Although housed and sponsored by Penn State University, EOC is a federal program that helps eligible persons pursue their educational goals at any postsecondary institution.
Q: How can an agency sponsor an EOC workshop at their site?
A: Contact an EOC office nearest you to speak with a staff person about how to sponsor a workshop at your site and to complete a ‘current and prospective site questionnaire.’ Go to contact us on the EOC homepage.
EOC - SWPA Main Directory
Contact
Tahirah Abdullah, DirectorEducational Opportunity Center / Southwestern PA
105 Main Building,
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
(412) 675-9077, Fax: (412) 675-9076
Educational Equity
314 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 865-5906
Fax: (814) 865-3997
http://www.equity.psu.edu
Copyright 2006-2007 Educational Opportunity Center (Southwestern PA)