ABOUT US

Appalachian Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is a TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority. EOC first started serving area students in 1982. The program provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The program also provides services to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. The goal of the EOC program is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.

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We provide services in the following areas: information about educational opportunities, educational counseling, financial aid counseling, college/vocational admission assistance, scholarship information, career development, assistance with GED enrollment, and referrals to other community agencies for additional support. 

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COUNTIES WE SERVE

• Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, and Jefferson

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DOUGLAS-CHEROKEE ECONOMIC AUTHORITY (DCEA)

Founded in 1965, DCEA is a community action agency serving 30 counties in Tennessee and 2 counties in Eastern Kentucky. The purpose of the agency is to help families living in poverty improve their lives by providing them with assistance and services that they are not able to provide for themselves. The main focus of the agency is to help people help themselves. The agency's mission is to provide resources, tools, and opportunities that help low-incomes families and individuals of all ages achieve personal, economic, and social stability. Current programs located at DCEA include: Upward Bound (2 programs), EOC, Talent Search, Head Start, Early Head Start, LIHEAP, Meals on Wheels, Neighborhood Service Centers, RSVP Senior Corps, Affordable Housing, Hamblen County Workforce and Education Partnership, 21st Century Learning Centers, Lottery for Education Afterschool Programs, and SRAE.

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PROGRAM IMPACT

Since 1982, DCEA's EOC program has helped thousands of participants, in close to 40 counties in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina, to enroll in college or vocational school, graduate with a degree or certificate, and better their economic potential. We strive to continually improve the program and increase services to participants because outcomes matter.

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WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

• U.S. citizens and or permanent residents who live in Cocke, Hancock, Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkins, and Jefferson counties

• Are 19 years of age or older or are a high-school senior

• Are enrolled or want to enroll in a program of postsecondary education

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

All services are free!