EOC
serves as bridge for non-traditional students
By Michael Padilla
Reaching out to individuals interested in post-secondary education
is the primary goal of the UNM Education Opportunity Center
(EOC).
The center, in its first year, is designed to assist low-income,
first generation students with academic and career counseling.
“The idea is to provide individuals with the appropriate assistance
needed to continue the educational process and attend a post-secondary
institution,” said Nancy White, EOC program coordinator. “We
are here to help people achieve their goals.” EOC reaches out
to individuals in three counties.
One EOC staff member will be based at Workforce Connection
of Central New Mexico, a one-stop center located at the TVI
Workforce Training Center on Alameda Boulevard in Bernalillo
County. Staff will also work from locations in Torrance and
Valencia counties.
Services provided include referrals for obtaining a GED, guidance
on entry or re-entry to postsecondary educational programs,
personal, academic and career assistance, and career and life
skills workshops.
The center reaches out to a wide range of individuals, including
parents who want to be educated in order to better assist their
child's education, those seeking to improve career opportunities,
and others who graduated high school years ago.
“What’s unique about this program, is that it reaches out to
an older population,” said Natasha Jamerson, educational site
coordinator, adding that most programs of this type are geared
to recent high school graduates. “We provide information on
all educational opportunities available throughout the state.”
Staff work collaboratively with various organizations, schools
and county agencies to deliver services.
The EOC program is fully funded through a $200,000 grant from
the U.S. Department of Education. The funding has been granted
for five years.
EOC joins other federally funded programs administered through
Student Affairs under the Special Programs Office such as Student
Support Services, Ronald McNair Program, High School Equivalency
Program and College Assistance Migrant Program.
The center is located at 1921 Las Lomas NE in the McNair Building.
For additional information, and selection criteria, call 277-3096.