Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S)

Welcome to EOP&S
Apply for EOP&S (opens in a new tab)
About EOP&S
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S) is funded by the state of California and helps low-income members of our community achieve their educational goals. Program regulations are set in California Code of Regulations, Title 5 (opens in a new tab).
To be eligible, students must:
- Be a California resident or AB 540-eligible (see the AB 540 affidavit (PDF, opens in a new tab))
- Be enrolled in at least 12 units (exceptions available with a Student Accessibility Services (SAS) referral (opens in a new tab))
- Have fewer than 70 degree-applicable units in any combination of post-secondary higher education institutions
- Meet the California College Promise Grant income guidelines (PDF, opens in a new tab)
- Be educationally disadvantaged
- Complete the EOP&S orientation video (opens in a new tab). This is a self-paced orientation.
- After completing the orientation video, sign the EOP&S Mutual Responsibility Contract (MRC) (opens in a new tab). Once you sign it, we will contact you to schedule a counselor appointment.
- Complete an educational plan. Every new EOP&S student must complete a comprehensive educational plan. We will schedule you to meet with a counselor to complete this final step. The appointment typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, so plan accordingly. If you are in another program and have already completed a plan, please email a copy to sjcceops@sjcc.edu.
If you are not able to continue your education with us, please complete the EOP&S Community College Transfer Form (opens in a new tab) so we can share your information with the EOP&S office at your next community college, which can continue supporting you in your educational journey.
A student who has met the eligibility requirements remains eligible until the student has:
- Completed 70 degree-applicable credit units,
- Completed six consecutive semester terms, or
- Failed to meet the terms, conditions, and follow-up provisions of the student educational plan and/or the EOP&S Mutual Responsibility Contract.
For additional information, see Title 5, Section 56226: Limitations on Eligibility (opens in a new tab).
If you are an EOP&S student and need a copy of your educational plan, email sjcceops@sjcc.edu. We will send you a copy within 24 hours. If your educational plan is more than one year old, we encourage you to meet with one of our counselors to update it. To make an appointment, call 408-288-3788.
The mission of San José City College EOP&S/CARE (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education) is to support our students in achieving their academic and personal goals by establishing “over and above” support services and programs for income-eligible and educationally eligible students.
To this end, the EOP&S/CARE staff commits to the following actions:
- To eliminate barriers and ensure access to post-secondary education for all eligible students.
- To positively affect student self-concept, self-esteem, and self-advocacy.
- To facilitate the successful completion of student educational goals and objectives.
- To facilitate the transfer and career placement of students.
- To provide personal, accessible services.
EOP&S Services
EOP&S offers eligible students the following services:
When it’s time to register for classes, EOP&S students receive the highest registration priority on campus and can register three days ahead of the general student population.
Grants to help you cover the cost of books and supplies.
The lending library has hundreds of textbooks as well as equipment—including laptops and graphing calculators—that you can borrow.
Counselors will guide you to ensure you maximize your time at the college while working toward your educational goal.
Our counselors help you navigate the various pathways and guide you toward the career of your choice.
Learn the skills you need to reach your goals.
EOP&S proudly celebrates student accomplishments by providing access to graduation regalia for commencement.
EOP&S organizes ongoing university visits to give you the opportunity to explore four-year schools in and outside the area.
Our counselors will guide you through the transfer process to help ensure a smooth transition to your next educational journey.
Apply to the UC or CSU of your choice—up to five applications—without worrying about the cost.
Office Hours
Robert N. Chang Student Center, Room SC-201 (second floor)
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Counselors are available after 5 p.m. by appointment only.
Meet Our Team

- Director/Counselor
- Fabio Gonzalez
- 408-288-3129
- fabio.gonzalez@sjcc.edu
- Counselor
- Elena Dutra
- elena.dutra@sjcc.edu
- Counselor (ALMASS)
- Olga Morales-Anaya
- olga.morales-anaya@sjcc.edu
- Division Administrative Assistant
- Andrea Lopez
- 408-288-3129
- andrea.lopez@sjcc.edu
- Counselor (NextUp/Guardian)
- Julio Flores
- julio.flores@sjcc.edu
- Counselor (CARE/CalWORKs)
- Doan “Dona” Phan
- doan.phan@sjcc.edu
- Program Specialist, EOP&S/NextUp
- Laura Zepeda
- 408-298-2181, ext. 3203
- laura.zepeda@sjcc.edu
- Staff Assistant II
- Jasmine Uribe Rodriguez
- 408-288-3788
- jasmine.uriberodriguez@sjcc.edu
- Department email: sjcceops@sjcc.edu
The History of the Nickel & Nail Symbol
A young man was walking along the street with only a nickel in his pocket, feeling very poor indeed. He was quite depressed 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.