EOPS to the rescue
Peralta students from low-income families finding financial assistance in troubled times
Jonathan Riley
Issue date: 9/4/08 Last update: 9/5/08 at 10:29 PM PST
Section: Features
If you are coming from a low-income situation to attend Laney, you may be having trouble paying for school. Living is expensive enough without outrageous textbook prices, and transportation to and from school can also be costly, depending on where you're coming from. If this is your situation don't lose sleep, there are people who can help, and they're here on campus.
The Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) is the largest student services department in the Peralta district, designed to assist students from low-income families. It was originally created in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts riots with the intention of bringing more social and economic justice. The only requirements to qualify for EOPS are that you are a California resident, have completed a Board of Governor's Grant (BOGG) fee waiver, meet the educational requirement, and are a full time student with less than 70 units. In the words of EOPS Program Specialist Rae Hendriksz, "The EOPS exists to provide students with over and above what the college is able to provide."
The EOPS has counselors and peer advisers on staff who can talk to you. The EOPS CARE program for single parents on welfare provides financial support for those who qualify. Through the EOPS CARE Program you can receive up to $300 for books, and an additional $50 to spend at the bookstore. You can get either $65 or $75 credit for meals. You can get $65 BART cards. The EOPS CARE Program also gives out backpacks and school supplies.
The EOPS office is located in room A 106, and is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 4 p.m. on Friday. They can be reached by phone at (510) 464-2423 or by email at rhendriksz@peralta.edu. If you are a single parent or coming from a low-income situation to attend Laney, you already know you need to stay in school. Don't drop out, don't try to take your classes without the textbooks, talk to the EOPS.
The Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) is the largest student services department in the Peralta district, designed to assist students from low-income families. It was originally created in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts riots with the intention of bringing more social and economic justice. The only requirements to qualify for EOPS are that you are a California resident, have completed a Board of Governor's Grant (BOGG) fee waiver, meet the educational requirement, and are a full time student with less than 70 units. In the words of EOPS Program Specialist Rae Hendriksz, "The EOPS exists to provide students with over and above what the college is able to provide."
The EOPS has counselors and peer advisers on staff who can talk to you. The EOPS CARE program for single parents on welfare provides financial support for those who qualify. Through the EOPS CARE Program you can receive up to $300 for books, and an additional $50 to spend at the bookstore. You can get either $65 or $75 credit for meals. You can get $65 BART cards. The EOPS CARE Program also gives out backpacks and school supplies.
The EOPS office is located in room A 106, and is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 4 p.m. on Friday. They can be reached by phone at (510) 464-2423 or by email at rhendriksz@peralta.edu. If you are a single parent or coming from a low-income situation to attend Laney, you already know you need to stay in school. Don't drop out, don't try to take your classes without the textbooks, talk to the EOPS.
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