If you are resident of Sacramento, Stockton, or Lodi, you can apply. Low income, first generations are welcome!
Educational Opportunity Center (TRiO)
Funded by:
The Department of Education
We assist with the following:
Nationwide scholarship automated search tools and resume builder tools are given free of charge!
Eligibility Requirements:
19 years or older (adults under 19 will be served if there is no TRiO Talent Search in their institution)
Legal residents:
U.S. Citizen
Permanent resident
Legal alien with documents
Willingness to participate in the program and commit to success
At least one of the following:
Meet TRiO federal guidelines regarding income level
Or be a first-generation college student (meaning neither of your parents graduated from a 4-year school)
You don't know if you are low-income or not. Scroll down. If you are not low-income but are a first-generation student going to school, then you might be eligible, too. Just apply!

To apply, choose any of:
Scan the QR Code in our TRiO page with your phone
Email: TRiO@sceus.org
Call: (916) 504-9391
Second Chance Education is ONE of SEVEN institutions in California that are federally funded by the US Department of Education for Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) TRiO. While we are piloting this new program to serve communities, we welcome and appreciate any help, support, and feedback. We have multilingual staff speaking various languages, including Farsi/Dari, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, German, etc. We also provide an automated translator through a phone application during our in-takes/meetings when needed.
TRiO was originally formed to help individuals and students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to education in the United States. Timeline - It began as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. It has 8 sister families that started with the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 by establishing Upward Bound, followed by Talent Search in 1965, Student Support Services in 1968, and Educational Opportunities Centers in 1972. Then followed by Talent Search, Students Support Services, McNair, and TRiO Training.
Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is one of the TRiO programs federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. EOC was created to support adults enrolling in college and career training programs.
Adults 19 years old and above (younger adults can participate if there is no Talent Search TRiO in their institution) and U.S. veterans of any age can apply. All services are free of charge for those who meet the eligibility requirements. EOC assists those who want to pursue their education beyond high school.
Why TRiO is important
Vital for the progression of underrepresented populations
Helps people overcome barriers
Plays a significant role in eliminating inequity
Creates opportunities to become well educated
Increases workability and prepares individuals for better career pathways
Enhances the quality of personal and professional life
Some of the benefits of EOC:
Once you approved, we will provide credentials to log into our automated system and train you on how to use the platform.
College and university enrollment
School comparison: (compare 2 or more school side by side)
Total students and acceptance rate
On-Campus, Off-Campus room/board
SAT/ACT average (if applicable)/
Applicaiton requirements
Tuitions/fees and financial aid
Majors and many more tools (over 63 different comparison criteria)
Transfer to university (including university comparison tools)
College pre-admission counseling and enrollment:
College readiness workshops such as:
Academic Success
Writing Papers
SMART goal setting
Note Taking
Collaboration and team working
Time Management
College Stress Management
Anxiety/Disability
Accessibility, Text to Speech/Speech to Text/etc.
Stay Organized and Engaged
Help in completing applications for college admissions, testing, and financial aid
Assistance in applying for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to cover the cost of tuition
Financial Literacy:
Planning
Budgeting
Earn, Spend, Save, Borrow, Protect, Invest
Scholarships
Assistance on entry to a GED program
Career planning and counseling
Resume & Cover Letter Preparation
Job Search
Tips for successful employment
Soft Skills needed in the workplace:
Communication
Teamwork
Conflict Resolution
Adaptability
Leadership
Creating a Respectful Workplace
Harassment Awareness, etc.
Special assistance to ESL learners, Veterans, individuals with Disabilities, and other marginalized or disconnected students.
Train on using free and advanced technology enhancing your learning outcomes.
There is a chance to attend Policy Seminar on TRiO day (Feb. 26th) to show our appreciation form policy makers (representative/senators) regardless of the party they represent. It will be by raffle and based on budget availability.