The Educational Opportunity Center at UAB provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.
Mission
Our mission is simple: to give adults of all economic, social, and educational backgrounds the skills they need to continue their education. Because we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to keep learning.
The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at UAB is a federally funded program. All services are provided free of charge to participants who meet the eligibility requirements.
Services
At the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, a team of dedicated staff will assist participants with the following:
- Guidance on passing the GED
- Assistance with the college, trade/vocational school admissions process
- Test preparation workshops
- Assistance with completing the FAFSA
- Career exploration and goal setting
- Tutoring and Mentoring
- Personal counseling (Success Coaches)
- Scholarship information
- Referrals to public assistance and other community resources
- Loan Default Counseling
- Limited fee payment assistance for GED
Qualifications
An individual is eligible to participate in the EOC program if the individual lives in Jefferson County and meets all three of the following requirements: Is a citizen of the United States, is at least 19 years of age or older or a high school senior, and expresses a desire to enroll in a GED or college program of their choice. Again, all services are provided free of charge to qualified participants.
Contact Information
To learn more about the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at UAB, contact us at
Rico Drakes
Director
Office: (205) 975-3793,
Cell: (205) 224-7571,
Email:
Hollie Hillman
Assistant Director
Office: (205) 975-3799,
Cell: (205) 224-7577,
Email:
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