UCLA's Early Academic Outreach Program: Expanding Access to Higher Education
The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UCLA stands as a testament to the University of California's commitment to expanding postsecondary education opportunities for students from under-resourced schools across California. Established in 1976, EAOP has become a cornerstone of college preparation, guiding K-12 students toward competitive eligibility for college admission and fostering a college-going culture within their communities.
The Genesis and Mission of EAOP
The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) was established in 1976 by the University of California (UC) to increase the number of students from underserved schools and communities who have the opportunity to achieve a college education. Recognizing the disparities in access to higher education, the UC system sought to create a program that would bridge the gap and empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their academic dreams.
UCLA EAOP works with students to help them become competitively eligible applicants for college admission, going beyond minimum eligibility. EAOP works collaboratively with families, educators, schools, communities, and various campus departments to provide pre-college students with challenging academic enrichment activities to promote and cultivate a college-going culture. EAOP is one of the state’s most successful pre-collegiate student academic development programs.
Scope and Impact
UCLA EAOP's reach extends to over 15,000 students in middle school and high school each year, encompassing 81 schools across 10 school districts. This widespread engagement underscores the program's dedication to serving a diverse population of students with varying needs and aspirations.
University studies consistently show that EAOP participants are better prepared for college than non-participants statewide, with higher completion rates of CSU/UC-required A-G coursework and SAT/ACT entrance exams needed for college-readiness. Since 1991, approximately 60% of EAOP seniors meet UC eligibility each year, 82% attend a postsecondary institution upon high school graduation and 62% attend a 4-year institution, with 25% attending a UC school. 36% of EAOP 12th-grade participants applied to UC in fall 2018, with 62% of applicants accepted, and 56% of admittees enrolling.
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EAOP is one of the University of California’s largest and most successful Student Academic Preparation and Educational Partnership (SAPEP) programs, currently serving more than 40,000 students at more than 200 K-12 public schools throughout California each year. EAOP helps students at underserved schools prepare for college and the work force, complete all UC and California State University (CSU) admissions requirements, and apply for college and financial aid.
Core Services: A Multifaceted Approach to College Preparation
EAOP's success lies in its comprehensive approach to college preparation, offering a range of services designed to address the diverse needs of its participants. These core services include:
- Academic Advising: The cornerstone of EAOP, academic advising provides students with guidance and support in completing the A-G set of courses required for UC and CSU admission. Educators and advisers conduct real-time analysis of the steps students need to take to become competitive applicants. The advising component includes support for student in completing the requisite A-G set of courses.
- Academic Enrichment: EAOP enrichment activities aim to provide students with access to program/activities that they would otherwise not experience. These are leadership and learning activities that will expose students to a college setting or facilitate other enrichment goals. The goal of EAOP enrichment activities is to provide students access to program/activities that they would otherwise not experience.
- College Knowledge: College knowledge activities are intended to show students and their families the value of a college education and how to prepare. Examples include financial aid and scholarship workshops, college application workshops, competitive applicant workshops and campus tours. College knowledge activities are intended to show students and their families the value of a college education and how to prepare.
- Financial Aid: Working with students to educate them about financial aid is one of EAOP’s most significant roles. Once students understand the basics, EAOP staff members will help them fill out the application and guide them in understanding their award letters in the spring of their senior year. Working with students to educate them about financial aid is one of EAOP’s most significant roles.
- Family & Community Engagement: EAOP will provide information and resources to families and community-based organizations (CBOs) to support participants in their college preparation efforts. In addition, EAOP will encourage families and CBOs to engage in activities and services that will enhance their knowledge about highly selective institutions. EAOP will provide information and resources to families and community-based organizations (CBOs) to support participants in their college preparation efforts.
Key Initiatives and Programs
EAOP's commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in its various initiatives and programs, each designed to address specific needs and enhance the college preparation experience for students.
Bruin Advisors: Near-Peer Mentorship
EAOP hires UCLA undergraduates to work as Bruin Advisors (BAs). BAs provide direct service to our EAOP high school participants. Alongside EAOP full-time staff, BAs provide academic advising, deliver college presentations, and provide students with support during college application season. EAOP hires UCLA undergraduates to work as Bruin Advisors (BAs).
Destination College Advising Corps: Expanding Access through Advising
UCLA’s Early Academic Outreach Program, EAOP, is honored to work alongside the College Advising Corps, focusing on the path to higher education with its very own branch. UCLA’s Destination College Advising Corps (DCAC) works to increase the opportunities and resources provided to K-12 students attending under-resourced schools who enter and complete higher education. DCAC adopts a near peer learning model by placing well-trained recent college graduates as full time college advisors in our 28 partner high schools, supplementing the work of college counselors. Using Key Performance Indicators, CAC is able to track student results which helps the program to continually transform and adapt to our students.
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As members of a national movement, Destination College Advising Corps (DCAC) college advisers will help students in underserved communities realize their dreams of attending college. This is a great opportunity for recent graduates to develop leadership skills, give back to the greater Los Angeles community and to help propel the next generation of college goers. UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) has recently launched a chapter of College Advising Corps (CAC), the nation’s largest college access nonprofit. CAC is devoted to giving every student the opportunities that college offers.
Virtual Events: Connecting and Empowering Students and Families
Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) Virtual Events are held via Zoom. Newly admitted students and their families are invited to the UCLA campus to welcome them to the EAOP program. EAOP Staff provides an overview of the benefits and services that EAOP has to offer. Presentations on how to become a competitive college applicant and how families can support students are provided. Our goal is to build excitement and connection - these families are now part of the EAOP network. This event is designed to provide the tools necessary to build your desired academic and professional future.
In partnership with UCLA MEDPEP, the UCLA EAOP STEAM Conference is designed to inspire and educate high school students about the various career paths within the dynamic field of health sciences.
UCLA EAOP invites seniors to begin their UC application on the UCLA campus. EAOP staff provide a detailed walkthrough of the application mechanics.
UCLA EAOP knows that reading comprehension, analysis, and strong writing is essential for academic success. Rising sophomores and juniors are selected to participate in this 3-day/2-night residential writing program.
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UCLA EAOP knows that to become a competitive college applicant, students must take on more rigorous coursework (among other things).
UCLA Early Academic Outreach Program’s (EAOP) Parent Ambassador is a 2-day/1-night residential program for parents/guardians to receive training on the four systems of higher education and financial aid.
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