Educational Opportunity Center

Programs & Services

College Admissions Assistance and Counseling:

EOC advisors assist adults who have their high school diploma or GED/TASC with comprehensive assistance to help them decide which academic program is best suited for their career needs. Our advisors will assess each client’s academic interests and help match these with the appropriate college or vocational training program. EOC staff will assist clients in completing college admissions applications and guide the student through the various steps necessary for enrollment. For assistance, contact James Ruffin, Assistant Director at (646) 524-5563, ext. 2 or at jruffin@harlemctred.org.


Financial Aid Assistance:

EOC staff assists clients who have their high school diploma or GED/TASC in completing financial aid application forms such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Adults with financial need can qualify for financial aid. Clients are also provided with an explanation of financial aid award packages and the different types of aid, such as Pell Grants, TAP Awards, Perkins Loans, and Federal Work Study.  For assistance, contact James Ruffin at (646) 524-5563, ext. 2 or at jruffin@harlemctred.org.


TASC (formerly GED) Exam Preparation:

In January 2014 New York State replaced the GED exam with the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion). In response to this change, the EOC program has redesigned its curriculum to prepare adults without their high school diploma to pass the TASC exam. Clients in this program will participate in an intensive 14-week program covering all five TASC subjects. The challenging Math and Language Arts – Writing sections are emphasized in individual workshops. Placement testing is held every Friday at 10:30AM. For more information contact Jane Adamo, TASC Instructor at (646) 524-5563, ext. 1 or at jadamo@harlemctred.org.


Adult Basic Education:

For adults needing to improve on their reading and math skills before entering a TASC-prep course, EOC offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes at all levels of instruction. Placement testing is held every Friday at 10:30AM. The ABE program is funded by the New York State Education Department. For more information contact James Ruffin, Case Manager at (646) 524-5563, ext. 2 or at jruffin@harlemctred.org.


Career Counseling:

EOC advisors will administer career assessments, such as the Strong Interest Inventory and the O*Net Interest Profiler, to help clients identify their career interests. The results of these assessments will be used to help the client choose the educational or training program that matches their career interests. EOC advisors will also assist clients in identifying high-demand and high-earning occupations. EOC advisors will also discuss the skills that need to be developed, as well as ways to overcome potential barriers that can emerge during the career decision-making process. For assistance, contact James Ruffin, Assistant Director at (646) 524-5563, ext. 2 or at jruffin@harlemctred.org.


Academic Advising:

EOC advisors assist clients in the selection of classes that align with their major or course of study. This advisement can help students avoid taking classes that are not part of their academic program, saving both time and financial aid eligibility. For assistance, contact James Ruffin, Assistant Director at (646) 524-5563, ext. 2 or at jruffin@harlemctred.org.


Workshops:

The EOC program provides free on-site workshops to adult education programs, workforce development groups and community based organizations covering all aspects of the college/training admissions process, financial aid, labor market information sources and in-demand careers. To schedule a visit to your organization please contact David Perez, Project Director at (646) 524-5563, ext. 3 or at dperez@harlemctred.org.