Educational Opportunity Center

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), hosted by Pensacola State College, is a program that assists low and modest-income and/or individuals who will be first generation college students either enroll in a post-secondary institution for the first time or return to high school or post-secondary education. The program is open to adults 18 years of age and older who live in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties. The TRIO EOC is a grant program that is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education. All services provided are free.

The Educational Opportunity Center provides information and services related to any post-secondary school, including colleges, universities, and schools offering vocational and technical programs. Assistance for those who want to return to high school or earn their GED is also offered. Services are free and confidential. ADMISSIONS: -Information on educational institutions within the region, state, and United States - Assistance with completion of college or vocational/technical admissions forms - Discussion about choosing a program of study - Assistance with transferring to an upper-level college or university FINANCIAL AID: - Explanation of the financial aid process - Assistance with completing and filing financial aid forms, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines Pell Grant funds - Information about how to apply for college work-study - Information on searching and applying for local, state, and private scholarships and grants - Referrals for information on reconciling defaulted student loans EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER EXPLORATION: - Assessments to discover your career interests - Discussion of careers that match your interests and aptitude Information on colleges and vocational/technical programs related to your interests - Information on selected careers, including job descriptions, employment trends, and wage forecasts REFERRALS TO SUPPORT SERVICES MONEY SMART WORKSHOPS