Delta College’s Extended Opportunity Program Services (EOPS) connects students with the tools to succeed in college, including individualized counseling, priority registration, student success workshops and so much more.
I’ve been with EOPS as a student since Fall 2019. I’m glad that I joined and haven’t looked back.
The way I found out about EOPS was from my best friend. She gave me insight about it and told me to sign up right then. I’m so glad I signed up. It’s one of the best things I’ve done since being at Delta College.
Why? It’s the helping hand I didn’t know I needed in my college journey. The program has helped me with my Student Education Plan, it has allowed me to have priority registration, and it gives me access to have one-on-one meetings three times a semester with my counselor (which is the same person every time).
In 2019 as a 34-year-old first-time college student, Delta College was was scary initially. The thought of starting over was overwhelming and intimidating. I cried when considering everything because I didn’t know how to navigate my way through Delta College.
For the past three years, EOPS has been the backbone of my support system. It takes the heaviness of the college experience and the pressure attached to my academics off my back. EOPS doesn’t do my classwork for me, but it gives me confidence I can do it better.
EOPS is a program funded by the state of California. It focuses on students who have troubles with social, economic or language challenges.
Students taking 12 units or more can apply (applications open once a semester), have completed no more than 70-degree applicable units, and be eligible for California Promise Grant A,B, or C with $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
You must also meet one of the following educational requirements: Assess basic skills math, English, or English as a Second Language course, taken remedial courses, graduated high school with less than a 2.5 grade-point average or not a high school graduate or have special admissions circumstances. You also have to meet income and educational criteria and submit unofficial transcripts.
Students can apply through the EOPS page on the Delta College website.
Ric Woo, a student program assistant said the program is serving 670 students and counting. The number, he said, went down to the Covid-19 pandemic. Students have access to on-campus support for EOPS in addition to virtual help.
Woo said the program has a “pretty high percentage” for students in attaining their educational goals.
EOPS has helped me get to the midpoint of all my work for my Communication Studies degree. When the pandemic started and life events happened to me, it was the EOPS support staff that guided me through making difficult choices about my education, which helped me rebound to better days this school year.
The EOPS program also offers tutoring, book vouchers, access to a textbook lending library, transfer services, college and university tours, grants, student success workshops, seminars, and, finally, special activities and events.
EOPS is a gamechanger for many Delta College students who need support. It lightens the mental load. It brings relief from anxieties. More than those things, it’s helpful to know there’s people out there willing to sit and help get to where you need to go. It’s like a personal cheering corner during your time here. One that I highly recommend.
EOPS is located in DeRicco 234 at the second counter. The office can reach them by calling (209) 54-5151 ext. 6294.
