What is the Southern Colorado Educational Opportunity Center?
The SCEOC is a federally funded program, an award for which was first made in 1985 to the University as grant sponsor.  The SCEOC is legislatively authorized under a concept called TRIO, which evolved to support the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Higher Education Financial Aid legislation of 1963.  A separate Higher Education Act was passed in 1965 that specifically identified Educational opportunity Centers to encourage individuals to receive assistance in making decisions and completing paperwork for postsecondary education.  In recent years EOC's have become places for general educational advising for adults with an objective of getting more adults to secure high school diplomas or high school equivalency (GED).
What are the basic purposes of the SCEOC?
The Federal Regulations developed for Educational Opportunity Centers identifies two basic purposes of such organizations:
  • to provide information with respect to financial and academic assistance available for individuals desiring to pursue a program of postsecondary study; and
  • to assist such persons in applying for admission to institutions of postsecondary education, including preparing applications for admission and financial aid.

The Southern Colorado project is designed to provide the above basic services in Colorado Springs/ El Paso County, Pueblo, La Junta, Lamar, and Trinidad.  Services are extended to 13 Southern Colorado Counties and one Northern New Mexico County (Raton, NM)
Are there other services available through the SCEOC?
Other permissible services authorized by the Federal Legislation related to EOC Projects include the following:
  • Public information campaigns designed to inform the community regarding opportunities for postsecondary education and training.
  • Academic advice and assistance in course selection.
  • Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations
  • Guidance on secondary school reentry or to a general educational development (GED) program or other alternative educational programs for secondary school dropouts
  • Personal counseling
  • Tutorial Services
  • Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students or any combination of such persons.
  • Programs which support students of limited English proficiency.

Do we do all of the Above?
No, but we know when, where, and to whom to make referrals in those instances where we do not provide the specific service.
 Is there a charge for SCEOC services?
No, all services are provided without additional charge.  SCEOC is federally funded and supplemental funds are provided by PPCC, PCC, OJC, LCC, TSJC, and to some extent CSU-Pueblo.