FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SDSU Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Educational Opportunity Program
CONTACT: Renee Hix, (619) 594-5204, Rhix@mail.sdsu.edu
SAN DIEGO, Thursday, February 17, 2000 - When considering the future, most young people hope for the best life can offer - a fulfilling personal life, financial security and a challenging career. For low-income students who have dreamed of attending a major university and never thought it possible, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at San Diego State University is making this dream a reality, and has been doing so since 1969.
"EOP has held fast to the belief behind the legislation that created it. Low-income students, if given the support, will succeed at the university," said Gus Chavez, director of SDSU's EOP.
EOP was created when the Harmer Bill (SB 1072) officially authorized the California State Universities to establish the Educational Opportunity Program. This program is designed to serve any student with academic potential accompanied by certain extenuating economic, educational or environmental challenges.
Supporting low-income students for 30 years, SDSU's EOP has assisted 22,000 students through college since its inception. Students also benefit from priority registration, academic, personal and career counseling, and EOP grants (pending availability of funds).
"During the past 30 years, many EOP students have gone on to complete master's and doctoral degrees, and enjoy rewarding careers in education, medicine, law, business and government," said Charles Neal, EOP counselor.
The purpose and scope of the program extends beyond financial assistance, according to Evangeline Castle, associate director of EOP.
"Traditionally, 'low-income' has been synonymous with underserved youth. Being admitted into the University is just the beginning of a process requiring emotional support and connectivity, academic tutoring and a place to feel valued and supported," said Castle.
To celebrate its 30 years - 1969-1999 - of outstanding service, SDSU's EOP is opening its doors on March 10, 2000 to junior and high school students, current SDSU students, alumni, the campus community and the public for a day filled with celebration. Festivities include educational exhibits provided by EOP and SDSU student organizations, guest speakers and a variety of cultural performance artists.
Statewide, 21 such EOP programs help diverse, low-income students enter and succeed at a California State University. SDSU's program is the fourth largest in the CSU system, serving approximately 3,200 students annually.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, it has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 58 areas and doctorates in 11. The more than 30,000 students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, log onto its web site at www.sdsu.edu.
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