The roots of EOP&S (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) lay in the activities and social unrest of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. During this time, lawmakers began to realize the important need to address the existing injustices and inequalities. In 1969, Senate Bill 164 was passed, establishing EOP&S within the California Community College system as a way to help those who were both educationally and economically disadvantaged to successfully create a future through educational and life-skills development.

The first EOPS programs started in Spring 1970 at 46 community colleges. Today, EOP&S exists in all 114 community colleges in California.

Since starting at PCC, our EOP&S program has continued to provide our students with guidance, motivation, support services, and resources to help them complete their educational goals, including vocational certificates, associate degrees, and transferring to four-year institutions.

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Giving you the "Little Extras" You Need

Our goal is to provide extra encouragement and support for our students. We use the symbol of the nickel and the nails to represent our mission and how we help. This symbol is based on the story of a young man who was walking along the street with only a nickel in his pocket, feeling very poor and upset about his situation. He picked up a couple of nails which he found on the ground, twisted them together, and put them in his pocket. The nails and the nickel jangled together, making a pleasant noise as the young man continued on his way. It was almost as if he had more money than before. He began to feel more hopeful about his situation, and his attitude changed enough for him to begin trying to improve his position in life.

This little tale illustrates what we at EOP&S can do for you. We strive to provide you with the "little extras" for you to place in your pocket—the additional support that can make you feel richer as you move through your educational journey.