Extended Opportunity Program & Services

What is EOPS?

Since its adoption in November 1971 the symbol for EOPS Programs statewide is the Indian-head nickel and two twisted nails. Why would they adopt such worthless trinkets as a statewide symbol? Well, here’s the story behind its significance:

The Story of the Nickel and the Nail
The story goes that, “a young man, years ago in the deep South, walking down a long, unpaved, dusty road to visit his lady friend, was all too aware that he had but a nickel in his pocket and that his self-esteem would be questioned if he were unable to indicate that he was a man of means. Noticing two gnarled horseshoe nails lying by the side of the road, he picked them up and put them in his pocket. As he jingled these ferrous objects together with his meager fortune, he walked a little bit straighter and with a little more pride and dignity.

The Foothill College EOPS Program would like for you to walk a little straighter and with pride and dignity as you experience college life. We are here to assist you with the expenses in addition to tuition. Giving you the freedom to concentrate solely on the challenges and achievements you will embark while in college.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services

EOPS is a student support program that assists financially needy and educationally disadvantaged students seeking a college education. The program is designed to encourage educational attainment and to promote student retention, persistence and success. The EOPS Program has a staff of trained professionals who are eager to help students achieve their academic, vocational and personal goals. Staff members provide guidance in the areas of applying for admission to college, completing financial aid applications, identifying campus resources, completing transfer requirements to four-year universities, and keeping students informed as they progress through Foothill College.