The life as a college student can be a bit difficult because of the expenses such as books and other supplies required.
The Extended Opportunity Program and Services program has helped many students with book service and school supplies such as pens, lined paper, folders, USB drives, backpacks and notebooks.

Many have never heard of this program.

The benefits of the EOP&S and how to qualify for eligibility will lead to great college success. To qualify for this program students must visit the EOP&S office located in the student services building SS 240 to pick up an application.

Then the application must be filled out and turned in by the deadline to be considered eligible. Students should be enrolled full time 12 units or more at Rio Hondo. Qualify for board of governor fee waiver.
The EOP&S provides students with many services to motivate them to continue their education.

One great service this program offers is counseling services to guide students through an education plan. The education plan guides students through the correct path for classes required for their major.

Counselors give their best advice on classes their students should take throughout the semester.
Another advantage of the EOP &S is priority registration, which allows any person eligible for this program to register before other students on campus.

When a student is on academic probation they might be at risk to lose the program.If a student is not earning passing grades, will affect his or her eligibility.

They offer grants for academic grades, graduates and for students that are transferring.
EOP&s also offers textbook services and educational supplies for students that continue to obtain good grades. They have lending services with voice recorders, scientific calculators and laptops.

They make free tutoring available for students that are struggling with a certain subject and give out Rio Café Meal vouchers to students that have made their three contacts with a counselor. Lastly, when students that are in this program graduate, they will receive their cap and gown free.

Laura Anaya, a staff member at EOP&S, explained the application process for this program for anyone that might be interested in joining.

First, fill out the application for the program that will start in a couple of months for students that are interested in joining Fall semester.

The application will be due in the summer for high school students, but for continuing students, it will be before May. Make sure to meet the deadline, if interested.

The application must be complete before submitting it to the office. It will need to be filled in with the information required, including the four attachments, which are assessment scores, student detail schedule, financial aid award and unofficial transcripts.

Students must receive over a 3.0 GPA to receive grants and should be enrolled in more than nine units to be considered eligible for this program. As a final notice, it is very important to meet with counselors three times a semester. For students that are already in the program, remember the final days to meet with a counselor.

Second contact is from Feb. 22 – April 12. The last contact is from April 13- May 27. Students interested in EOP &S stop by their office for further questions or contact them at (562)908-3423. Lastly do not forget to pick up the application and meet the deadline for eligibility.