Extended Opportunity Programs & Services

Angel Valdez
Major: History

Current EOPS Student

The journey of college at first, seemed like a treacherous maze that would take me years to finish. I started college with zero knowledge and was scared and confused. My parents had gone to college years ago and what they had described was much different than what I experienced. It seemed like I was alone and it would stay like that for the rest of my college experience. However, ever since joining E.O.P.S that maze now is non existent, because they have opened my eyes and have shown me that college is not a maze but an experience to treasure for the rest of my life. Ever since joining E.O.P.S that confusion and fear has since vanished from my life. The counselor I was fortunate enough to get has been not just a great mentor but somebody I can rely on and trust. The counselors create a clear academic plan for us, and they make the goal of transferring or graduating seem less far away and in our grasp. The counselors at E.O.P.S treat us like family and genuinely want us to succeed. And unlike anyone else, the E.O.P.S counselors actually try to get to know us and want to follow our story. E.O.P.S is a great program full of counselors who treat everyone like family.

Odalinda Chavez
"I’m currently in EOPS/CARE and CALWORKS program, which allows me to get tutoring in many subjects. I started at Mt. SAC as a night part-time student with good grades, but when I became a full time student, working part-time on campus and full time mommy duties it became more challenging for me. Luckily we have great resources at Mt. SAC that are willing to do anything to see us strive. My worst subject is Math, but with the help of Huu, Veronica and his awesome tutors helped me get through ALL my math classes with almost all “A’s”. They also helped me with English even though I didn’t need it; it sure helped assure that “A”. Thanks to all their help I can proudly say that I am part of the President’s List and I will be transferring in the Fall of 2017 to Cal State Fullerton if accepted. So often in life we focus on our own challenges, but remember there is a whole world out there and everyone goes through something. You aren’t as alone as you may feel. There will always be someone, somewhere out there to lend you a helping hand. Don’t be proud and take it!"

Mayra Altoumah
"My name is Mayra Altoumah, and my major is human services. EOPS had a tremendous positive effect on my 3 years of college experience. They led me into the right direction. With the help of EOPS, I was always getting the teachers of my choice which definitely helps me to take the most of my college experience. Without the book vouchers, I would be in serious trouble. I established good relationships with student employees working in the front desks of the EOPS office and that made my experience so much better. I really appreciate all the help that I received from EOPS counselors, and I wish this service get more funding to continue helping other students. I would like to thank the entire EOPS staff and counselors who have been consistently helping me throughout the years. You have kept me staying on the path to success."

Edgar De Casas
"The EOPS program has been a key component in my college experience. It has given me so many benefits and opportunities that have made my transition to a four year university very smoothly. The academic and personal support are major characteristics of the program. EOPS is a program that guarantees your success and the accomplishment of your academic goals at Mt. SAC."

Jack Feng
"If I were not in the EOPS program, I wouldn't walk this far. The EOPS program of Mt. Sac had benefited me so much in my college life. Professional counseling team, financial support, and other great benefits from the program had encouraged me to do better and dream bigger. Thanks to the program and I keenly encourage every student who has financial/educational disadvantages to join the program. You are not on your own; we are always here to help."

Mindy Phan
"I’m a second year student at Mt SAC. My major is Biochemistry and I intend to transfer to UCLA next year. My ultimate goal is to one day become a cardiac surgeon. I’ve been in the EOPS program for 2 years now. This program provides many services that have helped me to achieve my goals. The EOPS counseling staff has given me great advice that has helped me to choose classes and plan my schedule wisely. The program has also given me priority for class registration, which allows me to get the classes I need to transfer and move closer to my goals. I am very thankful for this program."

Arturo Garrido
"My name is Arturo Garrido and I am majoring in Hospitality and Restaurant Management. I graduated from Mt. SAC with my Associates in Science in Hospitality and Restaurant Management in 2015 and transferred to Cal Poly Pomona to pursue a Bachelor in Hospitality Management. I joined EOPS in fall of 2012. The EOPS program has helped me in many ways. I was able to receive help from the CTE Counselor with planning my classes along with helping me research career and transfer information so that I was more informed of my options. They also helped me with book service benefits and this made things less stressful considering buying books is expensive. EOPS also provided me with priority registration, which allowed me to get the classes I needed and to graduate on time. When I first started at Mt. SAC, I was unsure of how to navigate through college. With all the services and support that the EOPS program offered me, I am able to become the successful Mt. SAC student that I am today."