- 2025 Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- The 2022-2023 Educational Opportunity Centers Annual Performance Report is available January 24, 2024.
- Click here for the FY 2023 New Project Directors Meeting Power Point presentation.
- TRIO Maps Home Page (We encourage you to bookmark the TRIO Maps Home Page, to more easily access the maps and for updates.)
Program Office: Federal TRIO Programs
CFDA Number: 84.066A
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: EOC, TRIO (This is one of eight TRIO programs.)
The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.
Projects include: academic advice, personal counseling, and career workshops; information on postsecondary education opportunities and student financial assistance; help in completing applications for college admissions, testing, and financial aid; coordination with nearby postsecondary institutions; media activities designed to involve and acquaint the community with higher education opportunities; tutoring; mentoring; education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.
Who May Apply: (by category Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Nonprofit Organizations, Other Organizations and/or Agencies, State Education Agencies (SEAs)
Who May Apply: (specifically) Institutions of Higher Education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth, combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations, and as appropriate to the purposes of the program; secondary schools.
Participants must reside in the target area served by an Educational Opportunity Center. The students must be at least 19 years old and two-thirds of them must be potential first-generation college students and low-income persons. If the services of a Talent Search program are not available in the target area, persons under 19 may be served.
Timeline
Last Competition: FY 2016
Application availability date: January 13, 2021
Application deadline: March 1, 2021, Extended to March 15th 2021 for states affected by severe winter weather (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana)
Federal Register Notice
Educational Opportunity Center Reopening Notice PDF (309K)
Current Application
On January 13, 2021, we published the notice inviting applications (NIA) for new awards for the FY 2021 Educational Opportunity Centers competition in the Federal Register (86 FR 2658). Under the NIA, applications were due on March 1, 2021.
The Department is reopening this competition for eligible applicants from affected areas in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, for which the President has issued a disaster declaration, to allow those applicants more time to prepare and submit applications. For applicants that meet the eligibility criteria in the NIA published on March 4, 2021, we are reopening the competition until March 15, 2021. In addition, the NIA, extends the intergovernmental review deadline until May 25, 2021. Please review the Federal Register official notice of this reopening.
Tips and Assistance
FY 2021 Pre-Application Technical Assistance Webinars for the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program:
In preparation for the (FY) 2021 EOC Program competition, the Student Service area will conduct 10 pre-application webinars this winter. The dates and times of the pre-application webinars are:
| Date | Time |
| Monday, January 11, 2021, | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Thursday, January 14, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Friday, January 15, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Thursday, January 21, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Friday, January 22, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Monday, January 25, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
To register for the workshops, please go to:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EOC2021
Application Contact
Rachael Wiley, (202) 453-6078
Federal TRIO Programs
U. S. Department of Education, OPE
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
FY 2024
Projects funded for 2024-25: PDF (133K)
FY 2023
Projects funded for 2023-24: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2022
Projects funded for 2022-23: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2021
Projects funded for 2021-22: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2020
Projects funded for 2020-21: MS Excel (18K)
FY 2019
Projects funded for 2019-20: MS Excel (18K)
FY 2018
Projects funded for 2018-19: MS Excel (18K)
FY 2017
Projects funded for 2017-18: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2016
Projects funded for 2016-17: MS Excel (47K)
FY 2015
Projects funded for 2015-16: MS Excel (44K) | PDF (259K)
FY 2014
Projects funded for 2014-15: MS Excel (48K) | PDF (257K)
FY 2013
Projects funded for 2013-14: 
MS Excel (49K)
FY 2012
Projects funded for 2012-13: MS Excel (43K) | PDF (256K)
FY 2023
Funding Allocation for EOC: $63,934,646
Number of Awards: 181
Number of Participants: 217,253
Average Award: $353,230
Average Number of Participants: 1,200
Average Cost per Participant: $294
FY 2022
Funding Allocation for EOC: $63,886,164
Number of Awards: 183
Number of Participants: 218,953
Average Award: $349,105
Average Number of Participants: 1,196
Average Cost per Participant: $292
FY 2021
Funding Allocation for EOC: $61,412,887
Number of Awards: 170
Number of Participants: 209,735
Average Award: $361,252
Average Number of Participants: 1,234
Average Cost per Participant: $293
FY 2020
Funding Allocation for EOC: $54,926,989
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 192,530
Average Award: $395,158
Average Number of Participants: 1,385
Average Cost per Participant: $285
FY 2019
Funding Allocation for EOC: $54,100,779
Number of Awards: 140
Number of Participants: 193,530
Average Award: $386,434
Average Number of Participants: 1,382
Average Cost per Participant: $280
FY 2018
Funding Allocation for EOC: $51,681,910
Number of Awards: 140
Number of Participants: 193,530
Average Awar
d: $369,157
Average Number of Participants: 1,382
Average Cost per Participant: $267
FY 2017
Funding Allocation for EOC: $50,649,719
Number of Awards: 142
Number of Participants: 199,722
Average Award: $356,688
Average Number of Participants: 1,406
Average Cost per Participant: $254
FY 2016
Funding Allocation for EOC: $56,186,996
Number of Awards: 165
Number of Participants: 225,678
Average Award: $340,527
Average Number of Participants: 1,368
Average Cost per Participant: $249
FY 2015
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,606,423
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 189,733
Average Award: $369,892
Average Number of Participants: 1,506
Average Cost per Participant: $246
FY 2014
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,876,529
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 189,733
Average Award: $372,036
Average Number of Participants: 1,506
Average Cost per Participant: $247
FY 2013
Funding Allocation for EOC: $44,067,484
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 181,581
Average Award: $349,742
Average Number of Participants: 1,441
Average Cost per Participant: $243
FY 2012
Funding Allocation for EOC: $45,901,792
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 189,131
Average Award: $364,300
Average Number of Participants: 1,501
Average Cost per Participant: $243
FY 2011
Funding Allocation for EOC: $47,676,723
Number of Awards: 128
Number of Participants: 192,196
Average Award: $372,474
Average Number of Participants: 1,502
Average Cost per Participant: $248
FY 2010
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,724,127
Number of Awards: 124
Number of Participants: 194,445
Average Award: $376,807
Average Number of Participants: 1,568
Average Cost per Participant: $240
FY 2009
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,830,291
Number of Awards: 124
Number of Participants: 194,445
Average Award: $377,664
Average Number of Participants: 1,568
Average Cost per Participant: $241
FY 2008
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,830,291
Number of Awards: 124
Number of Participants: 194,795
Average Award: $377,664
Average Number of Participants: 1,571
Average Cost per Participant: $240
FY 2007
Funding Allocation for EOC: $47,006,891
Number of Awards: 125
Number of Participants: 195,795
Average Award: $376,055
Average Number of Participants: 1,566
Average Cost per Participant: $240
FY 2006
Funding Allocation: $47,726,296
Number of Awards: 135
Number of Participants: 205,915
Average Award: $353,528
Average Number of Participants: 1,525
Average Cost per Participant: $232
FY 2005
Funding Allocation: $48,971,567
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 217,565
Average Award: $352,313
Average Number of Participants: 1,565
Average Cost per Participant: $225
FY 2004
Funding Allocation for EOC: $48,971,567
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 217,265
Average Award: $352,313
Average Number of Participants: 1,563
Average Cost per Participant: $225
FY 2003
Funding Allocation for EOC: $47,694,915
Number of Awards: 138
Number of Participants: 210,065
Average Award: $345,615
Average Number of Participants: 1,522
Average Cost per Participant: $227
FY 2002
Funding Allocation for EOC: $48,011,311
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 217,836
Average Award: $345,405
Average Number of Participants: 1,567
Average Cost per Participant: $220
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.
FY 2001
Funding Allocation for EOC: $33,234,295
Number of Awards: 82
Number of Participants: 160,836
Average Award: $405,296
Average Number of Participants: 1,961
Average Cost per Participant: $207
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 MS Word (217K) | PDF (188K)
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. [ PDF]
- 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
Guidance
- Uniform Guidance Information for ED Grantees -- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards: The Department has worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The old rules do not change — they are simply repackaged and enhanced to reduce burden on grantees. The new combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200. The new guidance will take effect for recipients of Federal funds for awards made on or after December 26, 2014. The new regulations do not impact any Department of Education awards received prior to this date.
Useful Links
- Current Low-Income Levels
- Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
- Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Applicant and Grantee Resources
Key Staff
Division Director
Sharon Easterling
202) 453-7425
sharon.easterling@ed.gov
Mailing Address
U.S. Department of Education, OPE
Higher Education Programs
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
Student Service Organizational Directory
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Educational Opportunity Centers Programs: 2018-19
- A Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2007-08, With Select Comparative Data, 2002-07 MS Word (495K) | PDF (727K)
- An Interim Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2002-03 and 2003-04, With Select Data From 2000-02 MS Word (1.62MB) | PDF (726K)
- A Profile of EOC: 1999-00 PDF (266K)
- A Profile of EOC: 1998-99 PDF (408K)
Frequently Asked Questions
 | Select a link below to jump to the relevant page section. |
- What is the purpose of the EOC program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. 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.
TOP
2. 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.
TOP
3. How often are competitions generally held?
The EOC Program grant competition is held every four years.
TOP
4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All EOC grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
TOP
5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average EOC grant award amount is $370,458.
TOP
6. 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.
TOP
7. 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.
TOP
8. 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.
TOP
9. 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.
TOP
10. 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.
Coming in January 2025: 2023 - 2024 EOC Program Annual Performance Report Data Collection
The information below is for Reference Only.
2022 - 2023 EOC Annual Performance Report
Deadline: To Be Determined
| Text Documents | APR Web Site | Help | Program Specialists |
Text Documents
- Letter to EOC Project Directors, November 2023: MS Word (33K)
- Instructions for Completing the EOC Annual Performance Report for Program Year 2022-23: MS Word (73K)
- EOC Annual Performance Report Form for Program Year 2022-23: MS Word (63K)
- Policies and Procedures for Assessing the Standard Objectives: 2021-2026 Grant -- Appendix to APR Report: MS Word (39K)
- Click here for the Quick Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
- Click here for the Detailed Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
EOC APR Web Site
The online data collection Web site is available as of To Be Determined You may access the EOC Online Annual Performance Report Application by clicking on the Web address below. Deadline: To Be Determined
EOC Online Performance Report Application: https://trio.ed.gov
Help Desk
Beginning on the go-live date, you will be able to consult the Help Desk via telephone (703-885-8008) or email (TRIO@helpdesk.thetactilegroup.com) about technical problems in accessing and using the Web application. The Help Desk will also be able to assist should you have difficulty with registration.
Program Specialists
Please contact your program specialist directly if you have questions requiring policy clarifications or interpretations of the data requirements of the report. For a list of program specialist state assignments, click here.
- 2025 Federal TRIO Programs Current-Year Low-Income Levels
- The 2022-2023 Educational Opportunity Centers Annual Performance Report is available January 24, 2024.
- Click here for the FY 2023 New Project Directors Meeting Power Point presentation.
- TRIO Maps Home Page (We encourage you to bookmark the TRIO Maps Home Page, to more easily access the maps and for updates.)
Program Office: Federal TRIO Programs
CFDA Number: 84.066A
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: EOC, TRIO (This is one of eight TRIO programs.)
The Educational Opportunity Centers program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.
Projects include: academic advice, personal counseling, and career workshops; information on postsecondary education opportunities and student financial assistance; help in completing applications for college admissions, testing, and financial aid; coordination with nearby postsecondary institutions; media activities designed to involve and acquaint the community with higher education opportunities; tutoring; mentoring; education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; and programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.
Who May Apply: (by category Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Nonprofit Organizations, Other Organizations and/or Agencies, State Education Agencies (SEAs)
Who May Apply: (specifically) Institutions of Higher Education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth, combinations of such institutions, agencies and organizations, and as appropriate to the purposes of the program; secondary schools.
Participants must reside in the target area served by an Educational Opportunity Center. The students must be at least 19 years old and two-thirds of them must be potential first-generation college students and low-income persons. If the services of a Talent Search program are not available in the target area, persons under 19 may be served.
Timeline
Last Competition: FY 2016
Application availability date: January 13, 2021
Application deadline: March 1, 2021, Extended to March 15th 2021 for states affected by severe winter weather (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana)
Federal Register Notice
Educational Opportunity Center Reopening Notice PDF (309K)
Current Application
On January 13, 2021, we published the notice inviting applications (NIA) for new awards for the FY 2021 Educational Opportunity Centers competition in the Federal Register (86 FR 2658). Under the NIA, applications were due on March 1, 2021.
The Department is reopening this competition for eligible applicants from affected areas in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, for which the President has issued a disaster declaration, to allow those applicants more time to prepare and submit applications. For applicants that meet the eligibility criteria in the NIA published on March 4, 2021, we are reopening the competition until March 15, 2021. In addition, the NIA, extends the intergovernmental review deadline until May 25, 2021. Please review the Federal Register official notice of this reopening.
Tips and Assistance
FY 2021 Pre-Application Technical Assistance Webinars for the Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program:
In preparation for the (FY) 2021 EOC Program competition, the Student Service area will conduct 10 pre-application webinars this winter. The dates and times of the pre-application webinars are:
| Date | Time |
| Monday, January 11, 2021, | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Thursday, January 14, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Friday, January 15, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Thursday, January 21, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Friday, January 22, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Monday, January 25, 2021 | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
| Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Washington DC’s time |
To register for the workshops, please go to:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EOC2021
Application Contact
Rachael Wiley, (202) 453-6078
Federal TRIO Programs
U. S. Department of Education, OPE
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
FY 2024
Projects funded for 2024-25: PDF (133K)
FY 2023
Projects funded for 2023-24: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2022
Projects funded for 2022-23: MS Excel (20K)
FY 2021
Projects funded for 2021-22: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2020
Projects funded for 2020-21: MS Excel (18K)
FY 2019
Projects funded for 2019-20: MS Excel (18K)
FY 2018
Projects funded for 2018-19: MS Excel (18K)
FY 2017
Projects funded for 2017-18: MS Excel (19K)
FY 2016
Projects funded for 2016-17: MS Excel (47K)
FY 2015
Projects funded for 2015-16: MS Excel (44K) | PDF (259K)
FY 2014
Projects funded for 2014-15: MS Excel (48K) | PDF (257K)
FY 2013
Projects funded for 2013-14: MS Excel (49K)
FY 2012
Projects funded for 2012-13: MS Excel (43K) | PDF (256K)
FY 2023
Funding Allocation for EOC: $63,934,646
Number of Awards: 181
Number of Participants: 217,253
Average Award: $353,230
Average Number of Participants: 1,200
Average Cost per Participant: $294
FY 2022
Funding Allocation for EOC: $63,886,164
Number of Awards: 183
Number of Participants: 218,953
Average Award: $349,105
Average Number of Participants: 1,196
Average Cost per Participant: $292
FY 2021
Funding Allocation for EOC: $61,412,887
Number of Awards: 170
Number of Participants: 209,735
Average Award: $361,252
Average Number of Participants: 1,234
Average Cost per Participant: $293
FY 2020
Funding Allocation for EOC: $54,926,989
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 192,530
Average Award: $395,158
Average Number of Participants: 1,385
Average Cost per Participant: $285
FY 2019
Funding Allocation for EOC: $54,100,779
Number of Awards: 140
Number of Participants: 193,530
Average Award: $386,434
Average Number of Participants: 1,382
Average Cost per Participant: $280
FY 2018
Funding Allocation for EOC: $51,681,910
Number of Awards: 140
Number of Participants: 193,530
Average Awar
d: $369,157
Average Number of Participants: 1,382
Average Cost per Participant: $267
FY 2017
Funding Allocation for EOC: $50,649,719
Number of Awards: 142
Number of Participants: 199,722
Average Award: $356,688
Average Number of Participants: 1,406
Average Cost per Participant: $254
FY 2016
Funding Allocation for EOC: $56,186,996
Number of Awards: 165
Number of Participants: 225,678
Average Award: $340,527
Average Number of Participants: 1,368
Average Cost per Participant: $249
FY 2015
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,606,423
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 189,733
Average Award: $369,892
Average Number of Participants: 1,506
Average Cost per Participant: $246
FY 2014
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,876,529
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 189,733
Average Award: $372,036
Average Number of Participants: 1,506
Average Cost per Participant: $247
FY 2013
Funding Allocation for EOC: $44,067,484
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 181,581
Average Award: $349,742
Average Number of Participants: 1,441
Average Cost per Participant: $243
FY 2012
Funding Allocation for EOC: $45,901,792
Number of Awards: 126
Number of Participants: 189,131
Average Award: $364,300
Average Number of Participants: 1,501
Average Cost per Participant: $243
FY 2011
Funding Allocation for EOC: $47,676,723
Number of Awards: 128
Number of Participants: 192,196
Average Award: $372,474
Average Number of Participants: 1,502
Average Cost per Participant: $248
FY 2010
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,724,127
Number of Awards: 124
Number of Participants: 194,445
Average Award: $376,807
Average Number of Participants: 1,568
Average Cost per Participant: $240
FY 2009
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,830,291
Number of Awards: 124
Number of Participants: 194,445
Average Award: $377,664
Average Number of Participants: 1,568
Average Cost per Participant: $241
FY 2008
Funding Allocation for EOC: $46,830,291
Number of Awards: 124
Number of Participants: 194,795
Average Award: $377,664
Average Number of Participants: 1,571
Average Cost per Participant: $240
FY 2007
Funding Allocation for EOC: $47,006,891
Number of Awards: 125
Number of Participants: 195,795
Average Award: $376,055
Average Number of Participants: 1,566
Average Cost per Participant: $240
FY 2006
Funding Allocation: $47,726,296
Number of Awards: 135
Number of Participants: 205,915
Average Award: $353,528
Average Number of Participants: 1,525
Average Cost per Participant: $232
FY 2005
Funding Allocation: $48,971,567
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 217,565
Average Award: $352,313
Average Number of Participants: 1,565
Average Cost per Participant: $225
FY 2004
Funding Allocation for EOC: $48,971,567
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 217,265
Average Award: $352,313
Average Number of Participants: 1,563
Average Cost per Participant: $225
FY 2003
Funding Allocation for EOC: $47,694,915
Number of Awards: 138
Number of Participants: 210,065
Average Award: $345,615
Average Number of Participants: 1,522
Average Cost per Participant: $227
FY 2002
Funding Allocation for EOC: $48,011,311
Number of Awards: 139
Number of Participants: 217,836
Average Award: $345,405
Average Number of Participants: 1,567
Average Cost per Participant: $220
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.
FY 2001
Funding Allocation for EOC: $33,234,295
Number of Awards: 82
Number of Participants: 160,836
Average Award: $405,296
Average Number of Participants: 1,961
Average Cost per Participant: $207
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 MS Word (217K) | PDF (188K)
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. [ PDF]
- 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
Guidance
- Uniform Guidance Information for ED Grantees -- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards: The Department has worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to streamline some federal circulars into a single guidance document, and make conforming changes to Department regulations. The old rules do not change — they are simply repackaged and enhanced to reduce burden on grantees. The new combined document is known as the "Uniform Guidance" and is codified at 2 CFR 200. The new guidance will take effect for recipients of Federal funds for awards made on or after December 26, 2014. The new regulations do not impact any Department of Education awards received prior to this date.
Useful Links
- Current Low-Income Levels
- Prior-Year Low-Income Levels
- Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Applicant and Grantee Resources
Key Staff
Division Director
Sharon Easterling
202) 453-7425
sharon.easterling@ed.gov
Mailing Address
U.S. Department of Education, OPE
Higher Education Programs
Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20202
E-mail: OPE_TRIO@ed.gov
Student Service Organizational Directory
Reports
- Fast Facts Report for the Educational Opportunity Centers Programs: 2018-19
- A Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2007-08, With Select Comparative Data, 2002-07 MS Word (495K) | PDF (727K)
- An Interim Report on the Educational Opportunity Centers Program: 2002-03 and 2003-04, With Select Data From 2000-02 MS Word (1.62MB) | PDF (726K)
- A Profile of EOC: 1999-00 PDF (266K)
- A Profile of EOC: 1998-99 PDF (408K)
Frequently Asked Questions
| Select a link below to jump to the relevant page section. |
- What is the purpose of the EOC program?
- What kinds of activities can be supported with grant funds?
- How often are competitions generally held?
- What is the duration of the average grant?
- What is the average annual grant amount?
- Is there a cost matching requirement? If so, are in-kind contributions acceptable as part of the grantee's match?
- What are the reporting requirements for grantees? What kind of records and data should be maintained or collected in order to complete required reports?
- What are the requirements for auditing and/or evaluation of funded projects?
- Are there program-wide performance measures?
- What are a few concrete examples of allowable activities?
1. 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.
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2. 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.
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3. How often are competitions generally held?
The EOC Program grant competition is held every four years.
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4. What is the duration of the average grant?
All EOC grants are funded for five-year grant award cycles.
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5. What is the average annual grant amount?
The average EOC grant award amount is $370,458.
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6. 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.
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7. 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.
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8. 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.
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9. 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.
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10. 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.
Coming in January 2025: 2023 - 2024 EOC Program Annual Performance Report Data Collection
The information below is for Reference Only.
2022 - 2023 EOC Annual Performance Report
Deadline: To Be Determined
| Text Documents | APR Web Site | Help | Program Specialists |
Text Documents
- Letter to EOC Project Directors, November 2023: MS Word (33K)
- Instructions for Completing the EOC Annual Performance Report for Program Year 2022-23: MS Word (73K)
- EOC Annual Performance Report Form for Program Year 2022-23: MS Word (63K)
- Policies and Procedures for Assessing the Standard Objectives: 2021-2026 Grant -- Appendix to APR Report: MS Word (39K)
- Click here for the Quick Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
- Click here for the Detailed Guide for Login.Gov and the TRIO APR Web Portal
EOC APR Web Site
The online data collection Web site is available as of To Be Determined You may access the EOC Online Annual Performance Report Application by clicking on the Web address below. Deadline: To Be Determined
EOC Online Performance Report Application: https://trio.ed.gov
Help Desk
Beginning on the go-live date, you will be able to consult the Help Desk via telephone (703-885-8008) or email (TRIO@helpdesk.thetactilegroup.com) about technical problems in accessing and using the Web application. The Help Desk will also be able to assist should you have difficulty with registration.
Program Specialists
Please contact your program specialist directly if you have questions requiring policy clarifications or interpretations of the data requirements of the report. For a list of program specialist state assignments, click here.