Who is Eligible to Participate in EOC?
The rules governing eligibility for our program are dictated by a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility for EOC services is determined by the following criteria:
CITIZENSHIP
Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
AGE
Must be at least 19 years old
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE
Must reside in one of these counties: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Rusk, Sawyer, Trempealeau, and Washburn
INCOME STATUS
Must be considered low income, as determined by the U.S. Dept. of Education; based on taxable income and household size
FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STATUS
"First generation college" status means that the parent/guardian with whom you resided before your 18th birthday, had not earned a 4-year college (Bachelor) degree, or higher.
VETERAN STATUS
Veterans, regardless of age, are eligible for services, provided they satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
EDUCATIONAL STATUS
Adults must not have earned a Bachelor's degree
NEED
Overall established need for EOC services
Primary Target Groups
Although we provide free services to all eligible individuals, we do have a target population:
- Individuals who are both low-income and "first generation" college adults (individuals whose birth or adoptive parents do not have a four-year bachelor's degree)
- Displaced workers
- Underemployed and unemployed workers
- U. S. Veterans
