Educational Opportunity Centers: Adult Workforce Preparation and Academic Development

By Dr. Lois Blades-Rosado
Assistant Dean
Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center

Among the best-kept secrets in New York City are the State University of New York/Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC). The EOCs were established in 1966 to provide comprehensive, tuition-free services to young adult and adult learners seeking academic skill development, allied health and computer technology training. Other services include student internship programs, personal and career counseling, employment referrals, peer tutorials, academic and vocational assessments, and on-site GED testing.

EOCs exist in four of the five boroughs of New York City. The Brooklyn EOC -- BEOC -- is well developed and offers a wide array of Certificate Programs.. The other EOCs have varying levels of programs that they provide, but they all have a technology focus.

The Business and Computer Technologies Division offers occupation skill training in:

Computer Service A+ Certification Preparation

Computerized Accounting

Information Processing Technology (Software Applications: Microsoft Office suite, Database Management,

Spreadsheet Management, Word Processing, Desktop Publishing).

Accelerated Programs provide training leading to certificates in:

Computer Aided Drafting (AutoCAD)

Computerized Accounting

LAN/OS Windows NT/ MCSE Certificate Preparation

Medical Billing

Medical Receptionist

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint)

Small Business Fundamentals/ Entrepreneurship Basics

Keyboard Skills.

Employer Specific Training Programs include:

Cashier Training

Custodial Maintenance Training

Security Guard Registration Training.

The Academic Studies Division offers:

GED Preparation

College Preparation

English as a Second Language for Professional Careers.

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No Tuition or Book Fees

EOCs do not charge tuition or book fees.

Clients must meet Eligibility Guidelines:

Age: Must be 18 years of age or older
Residency: Must be a resident of New York State
Education: Must meet SUNY educational guide lines for admission and BEOC program entrance criteria
Income: Must meet SUNY income eligibility guidelines
Additional admissions requirements related to specific programs must be met


Other Programs
Working with the Human Resources Administration, some Educational Opportunity Centers oversee a BRIDGE Welfare to Work Program, successfully training and placing in jobs individuals who formerly received public assistance. BEOC offers many opportunities for student self-development. There are academic clubs, life skills preparation workshops, health fairs, job fairs, and cultural celebrations that enjoy student support.

Technology Focus
BEOC's Learning Center provides a bank of ten workstations that students use for class work and personal activities. Three other workstations are designated specifically for Internet access. Students use them to obtain free e-mail addresses, and to do job and internship searches, and corporate research. And there are computers in most of the classrooms, also available for student use.

Some internship opportunities are available for students who have no work history or are in the process of a career change.

BEOC encourages its students to become self-employed through small business ownership. Recently BEOC formed a foundation called BEO-Project Uplift, Inc. Through its 501(c)(3) status, the foundation plans to obtain seed monies through donations for new entrepreneurs who graduate from our programs.

Where to Reach the EOCs

Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center
111 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 488-9840

Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center
Adam Clayton Powell Jr., State Office Building
163 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
(212) 961-4400

Bronx Educational Opportunity Center
1666 Bathgate Avenue
Bronx, New York 10457
(718) 530-7000

Queens Educational Opportunity Center
92-31 Union Hall Street
Jamaica, New York 11432
(718) 526-7485