Learn About Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP)
Quick overview
Who this is for: First-generation college students, low-income students, and those from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
What we offer: Personalized academic counseling, mentorship, workshops and events, leadership opportunities, and student-centered programs that promote your success in college and beyond.
Connect with us
Location: 121 Academic Resources Center
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Email: eop@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 459-2296
Instagram: @eopucsc
Appointments: Schedule via Slug Success
What is EOP?
Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) at UC Santa Cruz provide dedicated support to first-generation, low-income, and educationally disadvantaged students. Our team of academic counselors and student staff are here to help you thrive—both in college and after graduation. We believe higher education remains one of the most powerful tools for social mobility, we’re committed to helping you succeed.
What does “first-generation college student” mean?
A first-generation college student is someone whose parents or guardians have not obtained a four-year college degree in the U.S. This includes students whose parents may have attended some college but didn’t graduate.
Understanding your EOP status
Who qualifies for EOP?
You may be granted EOP status during the UC application process if you meet all three of the following:
- You are a California Resident
- You are first-generation to college (neither parent has obtained a degree from a 4-year university in the U.S.)
- You are considered low-income, as determined by your financial aid package (including Pell Grant eligibility and Student Aid Index)
Don’t meet all three of the criteria? You may still automatically qualify for EOP if you’ve participated in one of the following programs:
- California Dream Act recipient
- California Community College EOPS Program participant
- UCSC Baskin Engineering Excellence Scholars Program (BEES) participant
- UCSC Resilient Scholars participant
- Hope Scholars
- Independent Student
- Underground Scholars
Not sure if you qualify? We encourage students who believe they meet some of the criteria to reach out to an EOP counselor or consider submitting an appeal.
How to check your EOP status
You can check your EOP status anytime in your UCSC Student Portal:
- Go to MyUCSC
- Navigate to the Student Center
- Click on Student Advising Summary
- Look for your EOP status under Student Groups
Don’t have EOP status? You can appeal.
If you weren’t granted EOP status during admission, you may still be eligible. Circumstances can change, and not all qualifying students are identified during the application process.
How to appeal:
- First, check your current EOP status in MyUCSC
- If you are not listed and believe you should be, complete the EOP Appeal Form (available mid-October)
- Appeals are accepted year-round
- You’ll be notified of a decision within three weeks of submission
Note: The appeal form is only available to currently enrolled UCSC students.
Questions about your EOP status or the appeal process?
Email: eop@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 459-2296
EOP programs and services
We offer a range of programs to support your journey at UCSC:
- IGNITE orientation – Extended orientation program for first-year freshmen and transfer students.
- EOP Ambassadors – Peer mentors offering support, workshops, and grad school guidance.
- Textbook Access Program (TAP) – Quarterly financial support for books and school supplies.
- EOP STEM – Specialized advising, workshops, and programs for STEM students.
- Wellness program – Quarterly workshops and community events focused on well-being.
Connect with our team
The staff behind Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) are deeply committed to supporting first-generation and low-income students throughout their academic journey. Whether you need help with academic planning, accessing tutoring and study support, navigating financial aid, or just want someone to talk to who understands the unique challenges of being the first in your family to attend college, we’re here for you. Our approach is student-centered, community-driven, and grounded in the belief that higher education can be transformative.
Reach out anytime—we’d love to connect.
Email: eop@ucsc.edu
Our mission and vision
Mission
The mission of Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) is to provide various academic and personal support programs to first-generation college students, low-income students with diverse social and personal identities, and those from historically marginalized backgrounds, so that they may achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals and become active leaders in their communities.
Building on the legacy of the Civil Rights movement, EOP’s equity-minded staff team (students and professionals) advocate for and partner with each student and the larger campus community, from the first year and beyond graduation, to dismantle systemic barriers to their success, uncover the hidden curriculum, and cultivate a space where they can learn and belong at UC Santa Cruz.
Vision
The vision of EOP is to close all equity gaps at UCSC across racial/gender/and any other social identity groups for EOP students and for their success to exceed student success outcomes of the general UCSC student population.