Educational Opportunity Center

Patricia Wolfe, Director

“T” Building

Corner of Market & Broad

Lynn, MA

pwolfe@northshore.edu

781-477-2114

Program Overview:

The Educational Opportunity Center focuses on educational access.  It provides admissions and financial aid advising and information to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions. Lynn Educational Opportunity Center Services include:

Ø      Information on the higher education system

Ø      Financial Aid advising

Ø      Financial Aid Application assistance

Ø      Admissions application assistance

Ø      Admissions advising

Ø      Career Advising, beginning of the process

Ø      Referrals

Ø      Advocacy

Ø      Loan Advising

Ø      Defaulted Loan and Loan Rehabilitation Advising

The advisors at the Educational Opportunity Center encourage and guide students in understanding their options and the next steps, refer students to a program that will be supportive, and offer follow-up services. All services are offered free of charge. The criteria for using services are as follows:

Ø      Ages 19 (or high school senior)+

Ø      Must be a US citizen or permanent resident

Ø      Does not hold a bachelor’s degree                               

Best Practices:

Ø      One-on-one support during which terminology, admissions, financial aid and the higher educational system is explained

Ø      Establish a student plan - appropriate next education steps

Ø      Referrals to supportive programs within the institution the student will attend.

Ø      Refer students to community organizations and agencies that will help the student reduce barriers to their education

Ø      Guide student though admissions process

Ø      Guide student through entire financial aid process

Ø      Advocate on student’s behalf with admissions and financial aid offices

Ø      Bilingual staff

Areas of college access it addresses:

College Information Awareness—EOC provides tailored one-on-one support to educate and guide about making college decisions and applying to higher education institutions.

Financial Awareness—EOC provides services in form completion and information on federal, state, and other aid sources.

Career Awareness – Assessment of interests and correlation to careers and programs of study.