Program Description
The Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC) aims to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions. The program funds grantees who offer to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process.
An Educational Opportunity Center project may provide the following services:
- Public information campaigns designed to inform the community about opportunities for postsecondary education and training;
- Academic advice and assistance in course selection;
- Assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications;
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations;
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants;
- Guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to a General Educational Development (GED) program or other alternative education program for secondary school dropouts;
- Individualized personal, career, and academic counseling;
- Tutorial services;
- Career workshops and counseling;
- Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons;
- Programs and activities described above that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youth, participants who are foster care youth, or other disconnected participants; and
- Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the EOC program
FY 2026 Funding
- Estimated Available Funds: $52,611,659
- Estimated Range of Awards: $238,000 - $3,000,000
- Max Annual Award:
- For an applicant that has not been designated by their Governor as the state-level applicant, the annual maximum award is $1,300,000
- For one state-level applicant that has been designated by their Governor as the state-level applicant, or for any Indian tribe receiving points under the competitive preference priority, the maximum annual award amount is $3,000,000
Previous Funding
The program-level information below shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2001 through 2024.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost per Participant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $65,096,897 | 179 | 215,303 | $363,670 | 1,203 | $302 |
| 2023 | $63,934,646 | 181 | 217,253 | $353,230 | 1,200 | $294 |
| 2022 | $63,886,164 | 183 | 218,953 | $349,105 | 1,196 | $292 |
| 2021 | $61,412,887 | 170 | 209,735 | $361,252 | 1,234 | $293 |
| 2020 | $54,926,989 | 139 | 192,530 | $395,158 | 1,385 | $285 |
| 2019 | $54,100,779 | 140 | 193,530 | $386,434 | 1,382 | $280 |
| 2018 | $51,681,910 | 140 | 193,530 | $369,157 | 1.382 | $267 |
| 2017 | $50,649,719 | 142 | 199,722 | $356,688 | 1,406 | $254 |
| 2016 | $56,186,996 | 165 | 225,678 | $340,527 | 1,368 | $249 |
| 2015 | $46,606,423 | 126 | 189,733 | $369,892 | 1,506 | $246 |
| 2014 | $46,876,529 | 126 | 189,733 | $372,036 | 1,506 | $247 |
| 2013 | $44,067,484 | 126 | 181,581 | $349,742 | 1,441 | $243 |
| 2012 | $45,901,792 | 126 | 189,131 | $364,300 | 1,501 | $243 |
| 2011 | $47,676,723 | 128 | 192,196 | $372,474 | 1,502 | $248 |
| 2010 | $46,724,127 | 124 | 194,445 | $376,807 | 1,568 | $240 |
| 2009 | $46,830,291 | 124 | 194,445 | $377,664 | 1,568 | $241 |
| 2008 | $46,830,291 | 124 | 194,795 | $377,664 | 1,571 | $240 |
| 2007 | $47,006,891 | 125 | 195,795 | $376,055 | 1,566 | $240 |
| 2006 | $47,726,296 | 135 | 205,915 | $353,528 | 1,525 | $232 |
| 2005 | $48,971,567 | 139 | 217,565 | $352,313 | 1,565 | $225 |
| 2004 | $48,971,567 | 139 | 217,265 | $352,313 | 1,563 | $225 |
| 2003 | $47,694,915 | 138 | 210,065 | $345,615 | 1,522 | $227 |
| 2002i | $48,011,311 | 139 | 217,836 | $345,405 | 1,567 | $220 |
| 2001ii | $33,234,295 | 82 | 160,836 | $405,296 | 1,961 | $207 |
i The FY 2002 funding includes $570,000 for one-time supplemental grants for technology of $10,000 each for the 57 first-time funded EOC projects.
ii The FY 2001 funding includes one-time supplemental grants of $10,000 per project for technology.
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sections 402A and 402F
- 20 U.S.C. 1070a-16
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the Educational Opportunity Centers Program regulations.
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations Part 644
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
Applicant Information
FY 2026 Educational Opportunities Centers Program Competition
On Monday, March 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the availability of more than $52 million in funding to support the Educational Opportunity Centers Program, which provides information regarding financial and academic assistance available for qualified individuals who want to enter or continue to pursue a program of postsecondary education; provide assistance to those individuals in applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of postsecondary education, and improve the financial and economic literacy of program participants. The closing date for receipt of applications was May 14, 2026.
Pre-Application Webinars
The EOC Program Division hosted 10 pre-application technical assistance webinars with live Question-and-Answer sessions from April 14-20, 2026 (two sessions a day) The webinars were for prospective grant applicants who wished to learn more about the program, its submission requirements, key priorities, and other important competition highlights.
Registration was required to participate. Each session consisted of a recorded presentation followed by a live Q&A segment.
Pre-Application Webinar Slides
Eligibility
Who may apply:
- An institution of higher education (as defined in sections 101 and 102 of the Higher Education Act)
- A public or private agency of organization, including a community-based organization with experience in serving disadvantaged youth
- Note: State educational agencies (SEAs) and State workforce agencies may apply as a public organization
- A secondary school (as defined in 34 CFR 6447(b)
- Note: Charter schools may apply as a secondary school
- A combination of the types of institutions, agencies, and organizations describes in (a), (b), and (c)
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Educational Opportunity Centers Programs: 2018-19 (2022)
- A Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2007-08, With Select Comparative Data, 2002-07 (2009)
- An Interim Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2002-03 and 2003-04, With Select Data From 2000-02 (2006)
- A Profile of EOC: 1999-00 (2002)
- A Profile of EOC: 1998-99 (2002)
Resources for Applicants
- FY20 EOC Application FAQs
- Prior Experience Objectives and Calculations for EOC Projects Operating in Project Years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
- As of January 24, 2024, the TRIO APR website for Educational Opportunity Centers is available for grantees' use in submitting their reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the EOC program?
The purpose of the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program is to provide information regarding financial and academic assistance available to individuals who desire to pursue a program of postsecondary education; provide assistance to individuals in applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of postsecondary education, including assistance in preparing necessary applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers; and provide information regarding financial and economic literacy to participants.
What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
An Educational Opportunity Centers project may provide the following services:
- Public information campaigns designed to inform the community about opportunities for postsecondary education and training;
- Academic advice and assistance in course selection;
- Assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications;
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations;
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants;
- Guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to a General Educational Development (GED) program or other alternative education program for secondary school dropouts;
- Individualized personal, career, and academic counseling;
- Tutorial services;
- Career workshops and counseling;
- Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons;
- Programs and activities described above that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youth, participants who are foster care youth, or other disconnected participants; and
- Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the EOC Program.
How often are competitions generally held?
The EOC Program grant competition is held every four years.
What is the duration of the average grant?
All EOC grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
What is the average annual grant amount?
The average EOC grant award amount is $370,458.
Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
The EOC Program does not require cost sharing or matching.
What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All EOC Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report (APR) documenting progress toward meeting their approved project objectives.
All EOC Program grantees are required to maintain participant records that show --
- The basis for the grantee's determination that each participant is eligible to participate in the project;
- The services that are provided to the participant;
- The specific educational benefits received by the participant; and
- To the extent practicable, any services the participant receives during the project year from another Federal TRIO program or another federally-funded program that serves populations similar to those served under the EOC Program.
What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
Any non-Federal entities expending $500,000 or more a year in federal awards are required to conduct an A-133 audit. In addition, EOC grantees must have an evaluation plan in place that substantiates formative and summative evaluation measures, as stipulated in the funded application.
Are there program-wide performance measures?
The success of the Educational Opportunity Centers Program is measured by the percentage of low-income, first-generation college students who successfully pursue postsecondary education opportunities.
What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
- Providing individualized personal, career and academic counseling;
- Assisting participants in the completion of admission applications for postsecondary education and financial aid applications;
- Conducting workshop on financial and economic literacy; and
- Involving participants in: (1) visits to postsecondary educational institutions; (2) participation in "College Day" activities; and (3) field trips for participants to observe and meet with persons who are employed in various career fields and can act as role models for participants.
FY 2025
- EOC Projects Funded for 2025-26
- Total Projects: 160
FY 2024
- EOC Projects Funded for 2024-25
- Total Projects: 179
FY 2023
- EOC Projects Funded for 2023-24
- Total Projects: 181
FY 2022
- EOC Projects Funded for 2022-23
- Total Projects: 183
FY 2021
- EOC Projects Funded for 2021-22
- Total Projects: 170
GPRA Reports
The U.S. Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program contains outcome data for two measures -- postsecondary enrollment and percentage of participants classified as both low-income and potential first-generation college students -- and one measure of program efficiency.
Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2022-23
- 2022 - 2023 Educational Opportunity Centers Grantee Narrative Reports
- 2022 - 2023 Educational Opportunity Centers Grantee Data Tables
Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2023-24
Program Description
The Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC) aims to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions. The program funds grantees who offer to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process.
An Educational Opportunity Center project may provide the following services:
- Public information campaigns designed to inform the community about opportunities for postsecondary education and training;
- Academic advice and assistance in course selection;
- Assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications;
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations;
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants;
- Guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to a General Educational Development (GED) program or other alternative education program for secondary school dropouts;
- Individualized personal, career, and academic counseling;
- Tutorial services;
- Career workshops and counseling;
- Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons;
- Programs and activities described above that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youth, participants who are foster care youth, or other disconnected participants; and
- Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the EOC program
FY 2026 Funding
- Estimated Available Funds: $52,611,659
- Estimated Range of Awards: $238,000 - $3,000,000
- Max Annual Award:
- For an applicant that has not been designated by their Governor as the state-level applicant, the annual maximum award is $1,300,000
- For one state-level applicant that has been designated by their Governor as the state-level applicant, or for any Indian tribe receiving points under the competitive preference priority, the maximum annual award amount is $3,000,000
Previous Funding
The program-level information below shows historical funding allocation, number of awards, number of participants, average award, average number of participants and average cost per participant for fiscal years 2001 through 2024.
| Fiscal Year | Funding Allocation | Number of Awards | Number of Participants | Average Award | Average Number of Participants | Average Cost per Participant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $65,096,897 | 179 | 215,303 | $363,670 | 1,203 | $302 |
| 2023 | $63,934,646 | 181 | 217,253 | $353,230 | 1,200 | $294 |
| 2022 | $63,886,164 | 183 | 218,953 | $349,105 | 1,196 | $292 |
| 2021 | $61,412,887 | 170 | 209,735 | $361,252 | 1,234 | $293 |
| 2020 | $54,926,989 | 139 | 192,530 | $395,158 | 1,385 | $285 |
| 2019 | $54,100,779 | 140 | 193,530 | $386,434 | 1,382 | $280 |
| 2018 | $51,681,910 | 140 | 193,530 | $369,157 | 1.382 | $267 |
| 2017 | $50,649,719 | 142 | 199,722 | $356,688 | 1,406 | $254 |
| 2016 | $56,186,996 | 165 | 225,678 | $340,527 | 1,368 | $249 |
| 2015 | $46,606,423 | 126 | 189,733 | $369,892 | 1,506 | $246 |
| 2014 | $46,876,529 | 126 | 189,733 | $372,036 | 1,506 | $247 |
| 2013 | $44,067,484 | 126 | 181,581 | $349,742 | 1,441 | $243 |
| 2012 | $45,901,792 | 126 | 189,131 | $364,300 | 1,501 | $243 |
| 2011 | $47,676,723 | 128 | 192,196 | $372,474 | 1,502 | $248 |
| 2010 | $46,724,127 | 124 | 194,445 | $376,807 | 1,568 | $240 |
| 2009 | $46,830,291 | 124 | 194,445 | $377,664 | 1,568 | $241 |
| 2008 | $46,830,291 | 124 | 194,795 | $377,664 | 1,571 | $240 |
| 2007 | $47,006,891 | 125 | 195,795 | $376,055 | 1,566 | $240 |
| 2006 | $47,726,296 | 135 | 205,915 | $353,528 | 1,525 | $232 |
| 2005 | $48,971,567 | 139 | 217,565 | $352,313 | 1,565 | $225 |
| 2004 | $48,971,567 | 139 | 217,265 | $352,313 | 1,563 | $225 |
| 2003 | $47,694,915 | 138 | 210,065 | $345,615 | 1,522 | $227 |
| 2002i | $48,011,311 | 139 | 217,836 | $345,405 | 1,567 | $220 |
| 2001ii | $33,234,295 | 82 | 160,836 | $405,296 | 1,961 | $207 |
i The FY 2002 funding includes $570,000 for one-time supplemental grants for technology of $10,000 each for the 57 first-time funded EOC projects.
ii The FY 2001 funding includes one-time supplemental grants of $10,000 per project for technology.
Legislation
- Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Sections 402A and 402F
- 20 U.S.C. 1070a-16
Regulations
- Official Final Regulations Amending TRIO Regulations, as published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2010. These final regulations amend the Educational Opportunity Centers Program regulations.
- Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations Part 644
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99
Applicant Information
FY 2026 Educational Opportunities Centers Program Competition
On Monday, March 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the availability of more than $52 million in funding to support the Educational Opportunity Centers Program, which provides information regarding financial and academic assistance available for qualified individuals who want to enter or continue to pursue a program of postsecondary education; provide assistance to those individuals in applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of postsecondary education, and improve the financial and economic literacy of program participants. The closing date for receipt of applications was May 14, 2026.
Pre-Application Webinars
The EOC Program Division hosted 10 pre-application technical assistance webinars with live Question-and-Answer sessions from April 14-20, 2026 (two sessions a day) The webinars were for prospective grant applicants who wished to learn more about the program, its submission requirements, key priorities, and other important competition highlights.
Registration was required to participate. Each session consisted of a recorded presentation followed by a live Q&A segment.
Pre-Application Webinar Slides
Eligibility
Who may apply:
- An institution of higher education (as defined in sections 101 and 102 of the Higher Education Act)
- A public or private agency of organization, including a community-based organization with experience in serving disadvantaged youth
- Note: State educational agencies (SEAs) and State workforce agencies may apply as a public organization
- A secondary school (as defined in 34 CFR 6447(b)
- Note: Charter schools may apply as a secondary school
- A combination of the types of institutions, agencies, and organizations describes in (a), (b), and (c)
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Educational Opportunity Centers Programs: 2018-19 (2022)
- A Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2007-08, With Select Comparative Data, 2002-07 (2009)
- An Interim Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2002-03 and 2003-04, With Select Data From 2000-02 (2006)
- A Profile of EOC: 1999-00 (2002)
- A Profile of EOC: 1998-99 (2002)
Resources for Applicants
- FY20 EOC Application FAQs
- Prior Experience Objectives and Calculations for EOC Projects Operating in Project Years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25
- Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- Federal TRIO Programs Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
- As of January 24, 2024, the TRIO APR website for Educational Opportunity Centers is available for grantees' use in submitting their reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the EOC program?
The purpose of the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program is to provide information regarding financial and academic assistance available to individuals who desire to pursue a program of postsecondary education; provide assistance to individuals in applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of postsecondary education, including assistance in preparing necessary applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers; and provide information regarding financial and economic literacy to participants.
What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
An Educational Opportunity Centers project may provide the following services:
- Public information campaigns designed to inform the community about opportunities for postsecondary education and training;
- Academic advice and assistance in course selection;
- Assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications;
- Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations;
- Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants;
- Guidance on secondary school reentry or entry to a General Educational Development (GED) program or other alternative education program for secondary school dropouts;
- Individualized personal, career, and academic counseling;
- Tutorial services;
- Career workshops and counseling;
- Mentoring programs involving elementary or secondary school teachers, faculty members at institutions of higher education, students, or any combination of these persons;
- Programs and activities described above that are specially designed for participants who are limited English proficient, participants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, participants who are individuals with disabilities, participants who are homeless children and youth, participants who are foster care youth, or other disconnected participants; and
- Other activities designed to meet the purposes of the EOC Program.
How often are competitions generally held?
The EOC Program grant competition is held every four years.
What is the duration of the average grant?
All EOC grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
What is the average annual grant amount?
The average EOC grant award amount is $370,458.
Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
The EOC Program does not require cost sharing or matching.
What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
All EOC Program grantees are required to submit an annual performance report (APR) documenting progress toward meeting their approved project objectives.
All EOC Program grantees are required to maintain participant records that show --
- The basis for the grantee's determination that each participant is eligible to participate in the project;
- The services that are provided to the participant;
- The specific educational benefits received by the participant; and
- To the extent practicable, any services the participant receives during the project year from another Federal TRIO program or another federally-funded program that serves populations similar to those served under the EOC Program.
What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
Any non-Federal entities expending $500,000 or more a year in federal awards are required to conduct an A-133 audit. In addition, EOC grantees must have an evaluation plan in place that substantiates formative and summative evaluation measures, as stipulated in the funded application.
Are there program-wide performance measures?
The success of the Educational Opportunity Centers Program is measured by the percentage of low-income, first-generation college students who successfully pursue postsecondary education opportunities.
What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
- Providing individualized personal, career and academic counseling;
- Assisting participants in the completion of admission applications for postsecondary education and financial aid applications;
- Conducting workshop on financial and economic literacy; and
- Involving participants in: (1) visits to postsecondary educational institutions; (2) participation in "College Day" activities; and (3) field trips for participants to observe and meet with persons who are employed in various career fields and can act as role models for participants.
FY 2025
- EOC Projects Funded for 2025-26
- Total Projects: 160
FY 2024
- EOC Projects Funded for 2024-25
- Total Projects: 179
FY 2023
- EOC Projects Funded for 2023-24
- Total Projects: 181
FY 2022
- EOC Projects Funded for 2022-23
- Total Projects: 183
FY 2021
- EOC Projects Funded for 2021-22
- Total Projects: 170
GPRA Reports
The U.S. Department of Education's annual Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) report for the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program contains outcome data for two measures -- postsecondary enrollment and percentage of participants classified as both low-income and potential first-generation college students -- and one measure of program efficiency.
Grantee-Level Performance Results: 2022-23
- 2022 - 2023 Educational Opportunity Centers Grantee Narrative Reports
- 2022 - 2023 Educational Opportunity Centers Grantee Data Tables