Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
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Mission
The Educational Opportunity Center assists adults seeking a college or university degree with the navigation and completion of the financial aid and admissions application process.
Participation does not require enrollment at Malcolm X College. Participants are assisted in obtaining acceptance to any institution of post-secondary education within the United States.
Eligibility
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 19 years of age (some exceptions may apply);
- Must be from a lower-income background;
- Must be a potential first-generation college student;
- or be a veteran.
Participants must reside in or near one of the following Chicago communities:
- Humboldt Park
- West Town
- Austin
- West Garfield Park
- East Garfield Park
- Near West Side
- North Lawndale
- South Lawndale
Services
The following services are coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Center:
- assistance in enabling adults to return to school and pursue a college or university degree;
- dissemination of financial aid and college admission information;
- assistance in the preparation and completion of financial aid and admission documents;
- career and educational counseling, advisement, and goal mapping;
- loan default assistance;
- course selection assistance;
- advocacy to increase admission acceptance options, improve retention, and ensure academic support;
- referrals to community agencies, services, organizations, and programs that seek to assist individuals to improve their lives and achieve their goals;
- enrichment workshops, programs, and events that enhance one’s knowledge of their educational opportunities and career potential.
All services coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Center are free of charge to participants.
Checklist
To make use of the services coordinated by the Educational Opportunity Center, please do the following:
- Ensure you are eligible according to the criteria specified in the eligibility section;
- Complete the Educational Opportunity Center application form and return it to an Educational Specialist;
- Make an appointment with an Educational Specialist to create an individual education plan;
- Follow through with your individual education plan paper work, due dates, referrals, and other related tasks;
- Contact the Educational Opportunity Center with any questions you have.
Contact info
English: 312-850-7495
Spanish: 312-850-7109
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Van Buren St.
Room 1314
Chicago, Illinois 60612
312-850-7495
- Via Blue train, Illinois Medical District stop
- Via bus, 126 Jackson
- Via highway, Damen Ave. exit
Free parking at Malcolm X College!
TRIO programs
Across the country, the following TRIO programs exist for people of all ages. Please inquire at your local college or university for a program that fits the needs of you and your community. Or call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) to be directed to a program in your community.
- Educational Talent Search: To increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete high school and enroll into an institution of post-secondary education.
- Upward Bound: To increase the rate at which high school students complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education.
- Upward Bound Math & Science: To help high school students realize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue post-secondary degrees in the math and science field.
- Veterans Upward Bound: To increase the rate at which veterans enroll in and complete post-secondary education programs.
- Student Support Services: To increase the college retention and graduation rates of undergraduate students.
- Ronald E. McNair Scholar’s Program: To prepare undergraduates for the completion of a doctorate and other advanced degrees.
The Educational Opportunity Center, Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Talent Search are currently administered at Malcolm X College and funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Staff Directory
Roy Saldaña, Jr.
Director
312-850-7106
rsaldana5@ccc.edu
Room 1322
Michael B. Miller
Educational Specialist
312-850-7101
mbmiller@ccc.edu
Room 1315
Ramon Cabrales
Educational Specialist
312-850-7109
rcabrales@ccc.edu
Room 1315
Cortney Alexander
Educational Specialist
312-850-7264
calexander44@ccc.edu
Room 1319
Ruth H. Gillard
Administrative Assistant
312-850-7495
rgillard@ccc.edu
Room 1314
Are you an organization interested in collaborating?
How we can assist you:
- Present workshops about Financial aid, Admissions, Career preparation, and other ideas you want to develop;
- Attend resource fairs;
- Regularly host resource tables at your organization;
- and provide one-on-one college preparation assistance for your students or clients.
