About RIEOC

An integral part of the Rhode Island community hosted by the Community College of Rhode Island since 1979

For 40 years, RIEOC has been working with CCRI and local community based organizations to assist individuals with a wide array of services and programs, all at no cost to the participant. The U.S. Department of Education provides funding for RIEOC to provide community outreach and support services to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds interested in pursuing educational opportunities, such as getting a GED, and/or a college degree.

The mission of RIEOC is to produce lifelong learners who are self-directed, empowered and committed to excellence for themselves, their family and their community. Our free services and programs are designed to enable our participants to develop academic and career skills necessary to become self-sufficient and economically independent. In addition, our programs adapt to the needs of our communities and serve as a first step towards the attainment of long-term education and career goals.

Each year RIEOC helps more than 3,000 Rhode Islanders to take the steps necessary to succeed on their journey to a better career through education and training. Services are provided primarily, but not restricted to, low-income adults who are potential first generation college students or students with limited income (150% of federal poverty guidelines).

Of the students served by RIEOC during the last academic year over thirty-five percent attended the CCRI. Other schools RIEOC students attended include Rhode Island College, University of Rhode Island, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams University, Johnson & Wales University, Salve Regina University and other out of state schools including Virginia State University, Temple University, St Joseph's College and Howard University.

The Community College of Rhode Island hosts three TRIO programs (Access to Opportunity, Talent Search and RIEOC). All programs and services assist students in overcoming academic, financial, social, cultural and ethnic barriers to success in higher education.