Delta Educational Opportunity Center

Delta Educational Opportunity Center

Delta Educational Opportunity Center (DEOC) is a participant-focused center of excellence that serves as an invaluable resource for underrepresented and disconnected populations. We seek to empower families in the Mississippi Delta who have continually suffered generational oppression for lack of knowledge. We are advocates for change who actively bridge the gap between dreams and achievements. DEOC cultivates hope where despair once lived and ruled. We share. We connect. We learn. We grow. We change lives.

The mission of the Delta Educational Opportunity Center is to increase the awareness of postsecondary educational opportunities available to low-income and economically-disadvantaged adults, 19 and older, who desire to pursue a postsecondary education and to assist with postsecondary institution enrollment. DEOC further seeks to provide like services to current high school students and others under the age of 19 who cannot be adequately served by Talent Search, another federal TRIO program. Our vision is to become the networking hub for all Delta area Adult Basic Education programs and colleges/universities for increased enrollment in postsecondary institutions. DEOC does not represent any one college but represents and advocates for the participant with all colleges and universities.

For FY 2020, there were 139 EOCs funded in the U.S. at $54,926,989 serving 192,530 participants. 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.

Services are provided to 1,000 participants in 12 Delta Counties: Bolivar, Coahoma, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica, and Washington.

ACT REGISTRATION is available for all high school students and ADULTS. Participants receive registration completion, free practice test materials, and a checklist for test day.

ACT PREP workshops are offered to high school students and adult learners. These workshops equip participants with the tools needed to increase their scores through interactive instruction in Science, Math, Reading, and English instruction.

POSTSECONDARY APPLICATION  workshop explains the college application process and helps participants match college majors with career choices. Participants have the freedom to decide which college/university best fits his/her needs. Participants receive a college planning tool kit (basic information regarding college selection process, financial aid, scholarships, and more) and assistance with application completion.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION workshop provides an overview of financial basics and the completion of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), facilitated by a Financial Aid Representative from one of DEOC’s partnering institutions. Information regarding scholarships and other federal, state, school-based, and private funding sources is made available. Participants are instructed to bring the appropriate year’s income tax return(s) to the workshop.

What is Delta Educational Opportunity Center (DEOC)?

Delta Educational Opportunity Center is a federal TRIO program designed to increase the awareness of postsecondary educational opportunities available to low-income and economically- disadvantaged high school students and adults

What services does DEOC offer?

Participants can take advantage of FREE ACT Registration and Prep, Postsecondary Application Assistance, and FAFSA & MS State Aid Application Assistance.

How are services delivered?

Workshops are scheduled at different locations throughout our 12-county region. Upon confirmation of eligibility, all participants receive a Participant Education Plan (PEP) that outlines requested services, dates, times, and locations. Participants also receive reminders via e-mail or text message.

How much are services?

All services offered by DEOC are completely FREE!

Am I eligible?

To qualify, you must:
Reside in the 12-county coverage area, Be a U.S. citizen, Be at least 9th grade and not enrolled in TRIO Talent Search, and Not have completed a four-year degree.

How do I sign up?

There are several ways to sign up. Applications can be submitted online. Just click on the FORMS tab. You may also contact the Project Director at 662.846.4337 to receive an application by mail, or visit us at 1417 College Street, Cleveland, MS.

I need help with the college application and financial aid process. Do I have to apply to Delta State University to receive your help?

NO! We assist you in applying to institutions of your choice. We do not recruit for any particular university or college.

Is there a limit on how many workshops I can attend or how long I can be in the program?

Once you become a program participant, you can attend as many workshops and events as you’d like. You are continually eligible for services until you receive a four-year degree.

Oh, no! I missed a workshop scheduled in my area, and I really need the service. What do I do?

You can contact us for information regarding the next scheduling of the same workshop in a nearby location, or DEOC staff can schedule a one-on-one session with you to deliver a service. Don’t worry. We’ll work with you.

APPLICATION FOR SERVICES

Submit this form to enroll in our program! You must be enrolled prior to receiving any services.

 

ACT VOUCHER REQUEST FORM

Submit this form for ACT registration!

 

ACT PREP REQUEST FORM

Submit this form to attend virtual ACT Prep Workshops!

 

POSTSECONDARY APPLICATION REQUEST FORM

Submit this form for help completing your college application and paying the application fee!

 

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION REQUEST FORM 

Submit this form for help completing your FAFSA and MAAPP!

Carla Johnson, MBA

Program Director

P: (662) 846-4337
E: cjohnson@deltastate.edu

LaSheka D. Bell

Academic Counselor

P: (662) 846-4334
E: lbell@deltastate.edu

Laquicia Johnson

Academic Counselor

P: (662) 846-4058
E: ljohnson@deltastate.edu

Nieasha Lewis

Academic Support Specialist

P: (662) 846-4335
E: ndlewis@deltastate.edu

Contact

Academic Support Specialist

Nieasha Lewis
P: (662) 846-4335
E: ndlewis@deltastate.edu

Address and Mailing

Delta Educational Opportunity Center
DSU Box 3134
1417 College Street
Cleveland, MS 38733