EOP provides first-generation Toros with several academic services, including mentoring and advising.
First-generation college students accounted for nearly half of CSUDH’s student body last year. Pursuing higher education presents a fair share of challenges, but some first-generation students en- counter additional obstacles.
For first-generation students seeking support and guidance on their academic journey, there are resources on campus – specifically, the CSUDH Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Located in Welch Hall 350, the EOP provides first-generation students with several services, including mentoring, advising, student advocacy, and financial support through grants.
EOP serves a population that directly reflects the diversity of CSUDH. The program was established in the late 1960s during the Civil Rights movement in response to the demand for quality, accessible higher education.
EOP’s is to offer a community, development, and mentoring experience that motivates students to become more involved on campus. Members of the program are exposed to networking opportunities, workshops, and partnerships that are intended to advance their professional careers. The overarching goal is to sup- port each student’s personal growth at all levels.
Daira Aguilar is an academic peer mentor at EOP and a first-generation stu- dent. Aguilar said she is grateful for EOP because the program pushed her to be more involved on cam- pus and gave her a sense of belonging. “If I wasn’t in EOP, I wouldn’t know where to find resources,” Aguilar said.
Aguilar said one of the most useful resources provid- ed by EOP was free printing.
The program offers 20 pages of free printing per week. Aguilar said she “eats, sleeps, and breathes at EOP” be- cause of how helpful all of the services are for her education and personal life.
Yadhira Viramontes, a peer mentor at EOP and a first-generation student, said she wishes more Toros knew about EOP and what the program has to offer. Viramontes praised the inclusivity of EOP and how it contributed to her academic success.
“I feel like I have someone on my side as a student,” Viramontes said. “As a worker, it is just so fulfilling…and exceeded my expectations.”
