TRiO Educational Opportunity Center

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) mission is to empower adults to achieve their educational and career goals by providing free, comprehensive support services that promote access to postsecondary education and training. Through individualized academic advising, career exploration, financial aid assistance, and enrollment support, TRIO EOC serves first-generation college students, low-income individuals, veterans, displaced workers, and other underserved populations. The program is designed to remove barriers to education, increase postsecondary enrollment and persistence, and foster lifelong learning, economic self-sufficiency, and upward mobility within the communities it serves.

The program has four (4) major goals:

• Assist individuals in locating secondary school diploma or its equivalent programs.
• Assist high school seniors, high school graduates, or individuals who have obtained a school equivalency certificate, with the financial aid application process.
• Assist high school seniors, high school graduates, or individuals who have obtained a school equivalency certificate with applying for college admissions.
• Assistance with postsecondary enrollment.

EOC Application

EOC Services provided include:

• College Admissions Assistance – Guidance with selecting colleges, completing applications, and understanding admission requirements.
• Financial Aid & FAFSA Support – One-on-one help with completing the FAFSA, understanding financial aid options, and identifying scholarships and grants.
• Career Exploration & Planning – Career assessments, exploration of career pathways, and support aligning education with career goals.
• Academic Advising – Assistance with choosing programs of study, understanding degree requirements, and developing educational plans.
• Adult Education & High School Equivalency Support – Guidance and referrals for HiSET/GED preparation and adult education programs.
• Workshops & Information Sessions – Educational workshops on college readiness, financial literacy, study skills, and career readiness.
• Transfer & Re-Entry Support – Help for adults returning to school or transferring between colleges or training programs.
• Veteran & Displaced Worker Services – Specialized support for veterans and individuals transitioning careers or re-entering the workforce.
• Personalized One-on-One Counseling – Individualized advising tailored to each participant’s educational and career goals.
• Community Resource Referrals – Connections to local agencies and resources that support educational and career success.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Rhonda Preston
Director of TRiO EOC
Email: rpreston@susla.edu 
Phone: 318-670-9661

Frankie Henderson
Educational Specialist
Phone: 318-670-9656
Email: fhenderson@susla.edu