EOPS Program Services
The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program supports students who are navigating financial and educational barriers by providing counseling, academic support, and resources that help students stay on track toward their goals. EOPS is designed to reduce obstacles that can impact persistence and completion by connecting students to consistent guidance and timely support throughout the semester.
At Santa Monica College, EOPS services are meant to help you build an academic plan early, stay connected to support, and make steady progress toward transfer, certificate, or career goals.
Academic Success Support
Services that help you stay focused, build skills, and succeed in your classes.
Counseling Services
EOPS counseling offers personalized, one-on-one support designed to help you stay focused, confident, and on track toward your educational goals. Counselors work closely with you to build and maintain your Student Educational Plan, ensuring your classes align with your degree, certificate, or transfer pathway.
Student Workshops
EOPS workshops are interactive sessions created to support your growth in and outside of the classroom. These workshops focus on practical skills that help you succeed in college, such as time management, study strategies, financial literacy, transfer planning, career exploration, and personal development.
Priority Registration
EOPS students receive Tier One priority registration, giving you earlier access to enroll in classes each semester ahead of most other student groups. This early registration window is designed to support your academic progress by making it easier to secure the courses you need, including high-demand and required classes for your major and transfer goals.
Financial and Academic Support
Services that reduce the cost of college and help you access what you need to succeed.
Book Vouchers
EOPS book vouchers provide supplemental textbook support to eligible students each fall and spring term, helping reduce the financial burden of course materials. Vouchers are issued through the Santa Monica College Bookstore using the Slingshot platform, which allows you to access and manage your textbook funds online.
School Supply Kits and Rentals
EOPS School Supply Kits and Rentals provide students with essential academic materials and specialized course equipment to support success in the classroom. Students may receive general supply kits that include items such as notebooks, pens, folders, and other basic tools needed for daily coursework and organization. In addition, EOPS offers rental opportunities for required items like calculators and lab coats, helping students meet course requirements without the added financial burden of purchasing these materials outright.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Reimbursements
EOPS provides reimbursement support for eligible students who participate in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national honor society for community college students. This support helps offset costs associated with PTK membership and induction fees, making it easier for students to access opportunities that recognize academic achievement and support transfer preparation. PTK involvement can also provide access to scholarships, leadership development, and transfer networks that strengthen students’ academic and professional pathways.
Cap and Gown Vouchers
EOPS supports graduating students by providing cap and gown vouchers to help cover the cost of commencement regalia required for graduation ceremonies. This support helps reduce financial barriers so students can fully participate in commencement and celebrate their academic accomplishments. By ensuring access to graduation attire, EOPS helps students mark this milestone and transition confidently into transfer, employment, or other next steps.
Transfer and Completion Support
Services that help you plan, apply, and transition beyond SMC.
Transfer Application Support
EOPS Transfer Application Support helps you navigate the college transfer process with step-by-step guidance as you prepare to apply to four-year universities. Counselors assist you in understanding application requirements, deadlines, personal insight questions, and overall transfer planning for CSU, UC, and private university systems. EOPS also supports eligible students in accessing transfer application fee waivers, including CSU, UC, and select private university fee waivers, which are submitted as part of the application process to help reduce or eliminate application costs.