Students who are looking to get a fulfilling Skyline education, but can’t afford to pay full price for classes or expensive textbooks or don’t know what direction they want to take their education in, can take advantage of a couple on-campus services that will help relieve some of the burden.

Extended Opportunity Program & Services (EOPS) and the Career Center are two wonderful services offered to students that help them take advantage of all the benefits of a Skyline education. Found in the college center, or building two, these services focus on directing students towards the classes they need and making it easy for them to get the resources needed to be successful in those classes.

EOPS is designed to help educationally and economically disadvantaged students. They offer book vouchers, tutoring, school supplies, TI-83 calculator rentals, field trips to four-year colleges, application fee waivers, and pay for automotive tools and cosmetology kits for students in those respective programs. EOPS students also have the advantage of being pre-registered for classes, so they never have to worry about the ones they want being full.

Unlike non-EOPS students who tend to see a counselor only once or twice to plan out their educational goals, EOPS students are required to see a counselor three times a semester. The first meeting helps students create an educational plan, the second meeting follows up with a mid-term progress report, and the final meeting gives students an opportunity to give feedback on the program.

There are currently around 350 students in the program, along with two full-time counselors and one part-time counselor on duty.

“EOPS students tend to perform better than the general student body because of all the support services, especially the counseling,” says EOPS counselor Jeff Acidera. The three counseling sessions recur every semester until the student has transferred, so the students are receiving continual support.

The Career Center is a helpful resource for students who are unsure of their major, who want to learn more about specific industries or occupations, who are changing careers and returning to college, or who need assistance applying for a job. Students can explore industries and get job assistance, which includes getting help writing resumes and preparing for interviews. Mock interviews can be scheduled, where students have their responses and mannerisms recorded on video and later review the videos with a counselor to see what skills can be improved for a higher chance of success.

Students who are uncertain of what field they are interested in pursuing or who are in a tight spot financially are encouraged to take advantage of these programs. Both are on-campus and free, and have helped people successfully pursue the courses they’re passionate about. Drop by building two today to get more information.

Additional information provided by: Anttwan Stanberry