EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
The Educational Opportunity Program is charged with providing educational support
services for students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Many of these students are members of underrepresented ethnic groups in the California
State University system. Retention related services are provided to enhance the ability of
students to complete their degree requirements. These services include pre-admission
counseling, academic advising, personal/career counseling, and tutorial assistance.
Applicants for the program are primarily, but not limited to, first-time freshmen and lower-
division transfer students. All applicants must be residents of California and must not
exceed maximum income eligibility criteria.
EOP SUMMER BRIDGE
EOP Summer Bridge is a five-week, live-in learning program consisting of academic,
social, and cultural activities designed to prepare 100 incoming freshmen for the
demands of university life. Classes especially designed to develop and improve skills
necessary for survival in the university environment are provided. Students are introduced
to an extensive educational support service network and are encouraged to use EOP
advising and tutoring units, as well as other campus support services.
FACULTY/STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The Faculty/Student Mentorship Program (FSMP) is designed to enhance the retention of
underrepresented freshmen or lower division transfer students of color (protégés) and to
integrate them academically and socially into university life. Each protege is matched to
a faculty and a student mentor who act as guides, role models, and friends. Mentors can
help the proteges in focusing on their skills, expanding their growth, and building
confidence. Mentors can also help integrate proteges into the university culture. This
helps to promote better grades and lower dropout rates. Specific benefits that mentors
provide to proteges who participate in the program are introducing them to other
college students, referring them to proper advisers for academic assistance, finding
specific people on campus who can assist them in solving problems, helping them feel
comfortable talking to professors, and assisting them in finding tutorial help where
needed. Contact Dr. Jesus Contreras, Director of the Faculty/Student Mentorship
Program, at 338-2076 for information about the program.
MINORITY ENGINEERING PROGRAM (MEP)
Students of color can find a strong base of support while pursuing their degrees in SFSU's
School of Engineering. This support came about because in the past few Black, Hispanic,
and Native American students chose to major in engineering. To remedy this
underrepresentation, the School of Engineering introduced the Minority Engineering
Program (MEP) in 1985.
MEP recruits historically underrepresented minorities into SFSU's engineering program.
Throughout their studies, the women and men in the program receive academic support
and personal counseling to keep them on track toward their degrees.
MEP helps participating students graduate and enter the job market with the skills and
confidence they need to succeed as engineers. Often alumni professionals augment the
program by serving as primary role models for minority high school students who are
beginning to plan their futures.
Black, Hispanic, and Native American students are encouraged to apply to the MEP. All
applicants must satisfy the general requirements for admission to SFSU.
Success in engineering requires a background in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-
calculus/calculus, chemistry, and physics. Students who have not taken all these courses
before enrolling at SFSU may take them at SFSU.
STEP TO COLLEGE
The Step to College (STC) Program is a collaborative effort among high schools and the
Colleges of Education and Ethnic Studies. STC students are high school seniors who take
two courses in critical thinking skills once each week after school for which they receive
six (6) units of transferable credit. The courses are taught by SFSU professors who
familiarize students with the format and structure of university courses. Students who
participate in the program also receive help filling out university admissions and financial
aid applications.
Step to College increases the high school graduation rates of disadvantaged minority
students, helps them make a successful transition to higher education, and increases the
college/university retention rates.
STUDENT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The mission of the Student Affirmative Action Program is to increase the eligibility rate of
students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Student
Affirmative Action provides early outreach services to students enrolled in the 8th through
12th grades which develop and improve the academic skills necessary for successful
completion of college preparatory curriculum. Student Affirmative Action also provides
early admission counseling and college admission assistance to underrepresented
students and their families.
Among the early outreach services provided by SAA are the Study Skills Program for 8th
grade students, the Mathematics Education Project for 9th through 12th grade students,
SAT preparation and review workshops, and College Application Assistance Workshops
for students and their families. College Opportunity Days are offered to 8th through 12th
grade students. A Summer Enrichment Program which focuses on development and
enhancement of college preparatory mathematics skill requirements is conducted on
the San Francisco State University campus.
STUDENT OUTREACH SERVICES
Student Outreach Services serves as university liaison with other educational institutions
and agencies, teachers, counselors, parents, and prospective students. It disseminates
information concerning admissions, majors, programs, policies, and procedures. It
conducts pre-admissions sessions during high school and community college visitations.
Among other responsibilities, the office participates in educational equity projects,
facilitates the EOP application process, and coordinates the operation of the overall
university outreach program.
VETERANS BENEFITS
Veterans, dependents of veterans, reservists, and active duty military personnel planning
to use their veterans educational benefits, or any student with questions concerning
veterans benefits, should contact the Veterans Certification Office, ADM 253, phone 338-2336.