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On the Job with the EOP Office

The Bulletin spoke with Jerry Blake, EOP counselor/instructor at the Educational Opportunity Program.

What do people think you do?
“Many people, especially those outside the university community, think EOP stands for ‘Employment Opportunity Program.’ People also think that we only target students of color with low incomes. They also confuse us with the CAMP and MEP programs on campus, although we do collaborate with those program centers regularly.”

What do you really do?
“We encourage prospective freshman students from low-income families and educationally disadvantaged communities to apply to EOP. We provide EOP students with the skills and support they need to succeed at Sac State, such as academic advising services, personal counseling, and educational and social programs.”

Describe your office.
“We’re on the second floor of Lassen Hall. We have an inviting, welcoming lobby and a diverse group of people on staff. We make it as welcoming as possible, and many students have found such support in this area that some have described it as their ‘home.’”

What surprises people?
“The amount of services we provide to our students. We have counselors, instructors, advisors and psychologists on staff. Our staff is here to encourage and help students transition into individuals who are self-reliant and experience a great deal of personal growth while on campus.”

What is your biggest challenge?
“It’s tough to accept the fact that we can’t help all the students who could benefit from our program. Sometimes we have to inform prospective students that community college is a better route for them. It’s also hard when a student drops out, because we have such a personal interest in each and every one of our students.”

What do you get asked the most?
“What does EOP stand for?”
“How can I sign up for EOP?”
“Can you talk to the kids in my class/at my church/in my youth program about EOP?”