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.

EOC FAFSA Workshops Dates:

FAFSA Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

  • March 15
  • March 29

FAFSA Midday | 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • March 20
  • April 3

FAFSA After Five | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

  • April 18

MTC Foundation Scholarship Workshops | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

  • March 21
  • March 25
  • April 9
  • April 18
  • April 23

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:

Fairfield County

Fairfield County Department of Social Services
Fairfield County School District Adult Education
SC Works Midlands (Winnsboro)

Fort Jackson

Army Continuing Education Center

Lexington County

Lexington School District One Adult Education Center
Lexington School District Two Adult Education Center – West Columbia
Lexington School District Three Adult Education Center-Lifelong Learning Center - (office hours are also held at the MTC Batesburg-Leesville Campus) 
Lexington School District Four Adult Education Center – Swansea
Richland/Lexington District Five Adult Education Center
Academy for Success
Lexington County Department of Social Services
SC Works Lexington Center

Forms

EOC Scholarship Directory

New Application

Parental Income Verification

Participant Income Verification

Pre-Application Worksheet

Sample Recommendation Request Letter

Sample Recommendation Request Form

Tele Financial Aid Consent

Helpful Links

As part of our grant services, the EOC provides information on college admissions and financial literacy to students. 

Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid
South Carolina Scholarships and Grants
Student Aid Deadlines

Financial Literacy

Bank of America Better Money Habits
FDIC Money Smart
Getting out of Student Loan Default
My Money
Wells Fargo Hands of Banking

College Admissions

Big Future
College Navigator
SC CAN

Career Information

Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*Net Online
ACT Profile Career Assessment 
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
Midlands Education Business Alliance

Adult and Continuing Education

South Carolina General Education Development (GED)

 

 

Contact 

Phone: (803) 822-3749
Email: eoc@midlandstech.edu

Charlene Bolton
Director
803.822.6703
boltonc@midlandstech.edu

Toya McDougle
Outreach Site Coordinator
803.822.6702
toyasmcdougle@midlandstech.edu

Lamar Brooks
Office Assistant
803.822.3608
lamarbrooks@midlandstech.edu

Mailing Address
Educational Opportunity Center
Midlands Technical College
P.O. Box 2408
Columbia, SC 29202

Physical Addresses
Airport Campus
1260 Lexington Dr.
West Columbia, SC 29170
Lexington Hall, Room 170

Beltline Campus
316 South Beltline Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29205
Student Center, Room 227