The Educational Opportunities Program is divided into two major components:
Elementary, Middle and High School Programs
Two well-qualified teachers, interns and many volunteers work daily with dozens of students toward accomplishing the primary goal of academically achieving at their highest potential level. Many of our participants come from homes where education attainment levels are low. Many of the children we serve are capable of academic success, but are hampered by various barriers. We know that education is one of the best ways to break the cycle of multigenerational poverty, and we are committed to ensuring students are given the opportunities to succeed and excel.
Core programs for students, grades 1-12 include:
College Scholars Program
The College Scholars program is designed to provide support to capable, motivated youth who desire a higher education, but have become discouraged by family hardships.
Annually, partial college scholarships totaling $40,000–$50,000 are awarded to as many as 20 academically at-risk students. Our typical scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year. For at-risk young people, even if some grants and loans are available, the additional dollars needed are often the barrier that prevents them from going to college, which is why our staff members help students secure all other possible funding sources. Our scholarship assistance bridges the funding gap and allows students to pursue their dreams of college degrees.
However, as important as this financial assistance is, the real key to the success of these students is the personal attention and support offered by staff and volunteers. A hallmark of our program is the close relationship staff members maintain with students to provide educational support, counseling, enrichment opportunities, summer employment and on-campus "encouragement" visits. Our goal is to provide all necessary support, thus eliminating any barriers to graduation.
With at-risk youth, the challenge is not getting them to start college, but getting them to graduate. Staff members closely monitor students’ progress to determine when intervention is needed. At-risk youth tend not to ask for help until it is too late, so early and frequent intervention is sometimes necessary to prevent dropout. We have a "never give up" attitude with each student and do whatever is necessary to ensure their successful graduation.
Each year, especially during the summer, we employ a number of our College Scholars to utilize their leadership abilities, to enhance their employment skills and to allow us to stay in close contact with them while they are pursuing their degrees. It is our long-held belief that education changes lives and is the essential key to moving families from poverty to productivity.