Educational Outreach Programs and Services
Educational Opportunity Program
The Educational Opportunity Program (415) 338-1646/1085, e-mail: eop@sfsu.edu, www.sfsu.edu/~eop) provides access opportunities and educational support services to historically underserved students (low income, first generation college). 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, workshops, and tutorial assistance.
Applicants for the program are both first-time freshmen and upper 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 learning program consisting of academic, social, and cultural activities designed to prepare 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.
EOP Pre-collegiate/Community Partnerships
The goal of EOP’s Pre-Collegiate/Community Partnerships focuses on early educational intervention to Bay Area elementary, middle, and high schools. EOP also collaborates with SF State campus organizations and youth agencies. Educational support services include hosting SF State campus visits, information on college admission requirements, academic planning, and course selection. By encouraging youth to pursue their educational goals, EOP provides a mechanism that enables them to be primary candidates for the program and the university.
Guardian Scholars Program (GSP)
San Francisco State University’s Guardian Scholars Program (GSP) is a comprehensive program of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), in collaboration with the School of Social Work which serves former foster care youth who are pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Launched in the Summer 2005, the GSP is a new program at SF State that is tailored to fit the needs of undergraduate students who were formerly in foster care. The individual case management services offered will enhance EOP’s current academic focus. The Guardian Scholars Program partners with on campus departments, and works with off-campus social service groups to ensure a pipeline for CSU eligible youth in foster care. Each year, the program will serve 10 new students in each fall class. The combined partnership of SF States Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the SF State School of Social Work defines a commitment to student success and empowerment with a goal of graduating Guardian Scholars who are self-supporting, conscious community leaders, role models and successful professionals.
Student Support Services (SSS)
Student Support Services is a program at San Francisco State University funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education. SSS was created to increase the retention and graduation rates of 160 low-income, first generation college students and students with disabilities by attending mandatory weekly group tutoring, bi-weekly academic and career advising, monthly study skills workshops, and career and graduate school fairs. The telephone number is (415) 338-2312.
Mesa Engineering Program (MEP)
Students can find a strong base of support while pursuing their degrees in SF State’s School of Engineering. This support came about to assist historically under-represented but motivated students who chose to major in engineering. The School of Engineering introduced the MESA Engineering Program (MEP) in 1985.
MEP recruits and retains students in SF State’s engineering program and provides career planning and assistance services. Throughout their studies, the women and men in the program receive academic support, and personal and academic counseling to keep them on track toward their degrees. Success in engineering requires strong foundations in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, chemistry, and physics. The MEP is here to assist.
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 and mentors for students who are beginning to plan their futures.
Students are encouraged to apply for admission to the MEP program. Space, resources, and certain types of assistance may be limited; however, all students are encouraged to contact the MEP for information. All applicants must satisfy the general requirements for admission to SF State.
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 courses in critical thinking skills, computer skills, and other college preparatory courses for which they receive up to twelve (12) units of transferable credit. The courses are taught by SF State faculty who familiarize students with the format and structure of university courses. Students who participate in the program also receive help filling out university applications for admissions and financial aid, and when possible, scholarship support.
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 Outreach Services
Student Outreach Services (e-mail: outreach@sfsu.edu, or call (415) 338-2355) 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 Desk, phone (415) 338-2336.
