Educational Opportunity Center

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is one of MTC’s TRIO Programs federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education that provides counseling and application assistance to any qualified participants who want to begin or continue pursuing higher education. Higher education can be a college, university, trade school program, or any other training after the completion of high school or the GED. The EOC staff is here to be your higher education advocates.

Participants in the EOC Program receive more than just help completing forms. Our experienced staff understands the obstacles students face when enrolling in college – financial, personal, and family – and we will help you create a personalized plan to work through those obstacles to attend school.

EOC is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide assistance at no cost to you, meaning all EOC services are 100% free.

Get help applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) assists students and parents with completing the FAFSA.

Contact EOC at 803.822.3749 or eoc@midlandstech.edu to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked FAFSA Questions

EOC is here to help you access educational and financial aid resources to become successful! Applying is easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Eligibility

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Resident of Fairfield, Lexington or Richland County.
The individual is 19 years of age or older.
Individuals not served by the Educational Talent Search Program.
Has a desire to enroll in college or training program.
Preference will be given to veterans, potential first-generation students, and individuals with limited income.

2. Apply

Complete an EOC Application online or in-person with a staff member.

3. Set Your Goals

Get your GED or High School Diploma.
Learn about financial aid.
Enroll in certification programs.
Apply for college.

Services

College admissions counseling
College transfer assistance
Free Application for Federal Student Aid assistance and counseling
Financial decision making assistance
GED referral assistance
Homeless and foster youth educational assistance
Scholarship Research

Documents Required for EOC Services

Picture ID
Permanent Resident Card (if eligible non-citizen)
Social Security Card
Most recently filed 1040 tax return
Parents’ most recently filed tax returns (dependent students only)
Parental Income Verification Form (dependent student whose parents have no income documentation)
Award letter, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) confirmation page, or Student Aid Report (if completing the Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note)

Workshops and Events

Need help with your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Contact EOC at 803.822.3749 or eoc@midlandstech.edu for more information or to schedule a one-on-one appointment.

Link: EOC FAFSA Workshops Dates

ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED BY EOC:

FAFSA Submissions and Corrections
Student Loan Entrance Counseling Assistance
Student Loan Default Assistance
Master Promissory Note (MPN)
College Tours and more...

Outreach Sites

EOC provides services at a variety of agencies in Lexington and Fairfield counties. Site visits are coordinated with each organization for clients or attendees at particular locations. The outreach sites by county are: