Students at American River College will not be eligible to enroll in the Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOP &S) program for the spring semester. EOP & S is not accepting any new college students for the next semester because a lack of funding. ARC college students are not the first priority because of limited funding through California Title 5, the educational code for the state of California. The funding only covers services for 1,400 students. At this time they have already reached that limit. Approximately 16,000 students qualify for counseling.

EOP &S is a program funded by the state of California to provide academically and financially disadvantaged students with services and to assist students who need support to navigate the educational system.

According to EOP & S coordinator Diana Delgado the core goal and service of the program is to help students get acquainted with higher

education. EOP & S students also qualify for tutoring, priority registration, CSU/UC application fee waivers, and help with the cost of textbooks.

"The primary service is to help people realize their educational goal," said Delgado.

Students are chosen for the advantages EOPS can provide through high school outreach, community agencies, and referrals. The priority students are those who have the lowest level income financial aid and students incoming the first semester.

"Its complicated to choose and be fair, that's why we go to the students with the highest financial and academic need," said Delgado.

She said the program was there to help students who need help with enrollment and to navigate the library and the Learning Resource Center.

"We're here to support students that

weren't good high school students or didn't have encouragement from their parents but that just don't know how to go to college," said Delgado.

Delgado added that the program was for those students who were trying to get clean and sober, on parole or probation, or trying to change their lives for the better.

When asked when they will be accepting any sign ups for new students at American River College, she explained that it would depend how many current EOP & S students leave the college.

"If a hundred people leave American River, transfer or get their AA, then a hundred slots are available," she said.

For more information the EOP & S office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or they can be reached at (916) 484-8128.