About EOPS

EOPS is a state-funded program established in 1969 with the passage of Senate Bill 164. EOPS is a pioneer program among student success-based initiatives, and its components have shown to be essential factors in student success.

The EOPS program's mission is to encourage the enrollment, retention, graduation, and transfer of low-income students affected by educational, social, or language disadvantages.

EOPS services are designed to give students individualized attention and support as they work to achieve their academic goals. Services include counseling, textbook assistance, priority registration, computer lab, and printing, CSU/UC application fee waivers, and other services.

The EOPS office is located on the Oceanside Campus in Building 3000. For more information, please visit the EOPS webpage or call 760.795.6680.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, students must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in 12 units at the time of acceptance to the program (some exceptions are available for Student Accessibility Services or special vocational programs).
• Be eligible for the California College Promise Grant "A" or "B" (formerly Board of Governors Fee Waiver).
• Be a California resident or meet AB540/California Dream Act requirements.
• Be educationally disadvantaged as determined by regulations.
• Have completed fewer than 70 degree-applicable units of college coursework.

How to Apply

Students may apply online via their SURF account. Information about how to access and submit an EOPS application is available on the New EOPS Applicant webpage. Eligible students are required to attend an EOPS orientation to complete their admissions process into the program.

NEXTUP Program

NextUp is a supplemental component of EOPS designed to support foster youth students seeking to further their educational career at MiraCosta College by providing "over, above, and in addition to" services and support. NextUp services include academic counseling, priority registration, book vouchers, specialized workshops, transportation assistance via gas cards or bus passes, meal vouchers, and grants (if funds are available).

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a current or former foster youth in California whose dependency was established or continued by a court of competent jurisdiction, including a tribal court, on or after the youth's 13th birthday.
• Be no older than 25 years of age at the commencement of the academic year in which the student first enrolls in the program.
• Be enrolled in at least 9 units or work to enroll in 9 units progressively.
• Provide a letter of dependency/ward of the court letter to the NextUp Student Services Specialist.

CalWORKs Program

Housed in the EOPS office, the CalWORKs program provides comprehensive student support services to CalWORKs participants. This program aims to prepare participants to transition into unsubsidized employment and to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

For more information, please visit the CalWORKs Program webpage or contact the EOPS office to schedule a CalWORKs intake appointment.