The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) program was designed with the idea in mind that one way to improve an adult’s socioeconomic status is to provide opportunities that will allow for the attainment of a postsecondary education.

The EOC program became a part of TRIO in 1972, with the passing of the Higher Education Act Amendment of 1972. The University of Northern Iowa became the sponsor of the EOC program in 1988.