As the intensity of the Civil Rights Movement grew in the 1960's, one of the emerging issues was the lack of access to higher education for a segment of the population in our communities. These individuals had the motivation and desire to obtain a four-year University degree, but lacked the financial means and academic support to encourage their success. These individuals typically came from the inner cities where high schools and community colleges were unable to provide the environment and resources which would adequately prepare them to compete in the University climate. These students also came from families whose members themselves, had never had the University experience and therefore were unable to provide the proper guidance in seeking opportunities in higher education. In 1967, in response to these community concerns, Dr. Joseph White of the CSULB Counseling Office and a small group of administrators, faculty and students, began what two years later, was to become the  Educational Opportunity Program. Dr. White was the first Coordinator and operated the pilot program of 60 participants out of the Counseling department. Similar programs were also established at CSU San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. In 1968, with the passage of the Harmer Bill (SB 1072), EOP was established as a systemwide effort and began as a State funded program in 1969. At CSULB, the first director of EOP was Ernest Clark, who served for two years. He was followed by Ruben Pardo and Dwight Herbert. In 1972, EOP was consolidated with the federally funded Trio Programs (Student Support Services, Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search) and was directed by Alan Nishio. In the years following, EOP programs were established on all CSU campuses, and today also include the two newest campuses at San Marcos and Monterey Bay. Although the EOP programs have in the past 30 years adapted their structure and procedures to meet the needs of their particular campus personalities, all programs continue to provide commitment to those in our communities who are low-income, first-generation college and have the motivation and desire to seek a college education.