EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Application

The Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College

Since 2016, the Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College has served as an essential resource for both high school and adult students in the Bowie and Cass County communities. The Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College knows that higher education is the tool to achieve social and economic empowerment. We inspire low-income and first-generation students to fulfill their ambitions of attending college.

The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at Texarkana College is a program designed to assist individuals with college matriculation. EOC is a federally funded TRIO program and services are provided to program participants FREE OF CHARGE who meet program eligibility requirements. EOC program participants receive coaching and assistance with the college admissions process, FAFSA, and enrollment at the post-secondary institution of their choice. The Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education.

The Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund is a program available for all Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College program participants who meet the scholarship criteria. In addition to the scholarship criteria, recipients must exhibit a desire to succeed academically, have strong character, and demonstrate financial need.

Criteria and Eligibility

Applicant must be a participant in the Educational Opportunity Center at Texarkana College program.
Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident.
Applicant must be currently enrolled or intending to enroll in a college or university during the upcoming semester.
Applicant must submit a completed scholarship application.
Applicant must submit a copy of their unofficial transcript.
15 Finalists must participate in an interview with the scholarship committee.

Scholarship Awards

The Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund will award (2) $500 scholarships each semester. Scholarship recipients must be currently enrolled or intending to enroll in a college or university during the upcoming semester. Award recipients can only use scholarship funds for the fall and spring semesters.

Applicant Timeline

September 30^th, 2024: Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund Applications Available
- Applications are available online at www.texarkanacollege.edu/eoc/scholarship/apply or in person with an EOC staff member.
- Applications can be submitted online or via email at eoc@texarkanacollege.edu.
- Applications submitted in person can be turned in to an EOC staff member in the Office of Enrollment Services at Texarkana College.
December 31^st, 2024: Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund Application Deadline
- Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, December 31^st, 2024 at 11:59 pm CST.
January 9^th, 2025: Overcoming Barriers Scholarship 15 Finalists Announced
- Finalists will be emailed to schedule an interview with the scholarship committee.
January 16^th, 2025: Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Interviews for Finalists
January 17^th, 2025: Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund Winners Announced

The Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund recipients receive awards without regard of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. EOC will not award scholarships to applicants who are not qualified and reserves the right not to award a scholarship in a given year.

Applicant Information

Name*

First Middle Last

Email*

Enter Email Confirm Email

Phone number

Education Information

College / University Attending in Spring 2025*

Name of School

When Do You Think You Will Graduate?*

What Degree Are You Seeking (Major)?*

Have You Ever Attended a College or Trade School Before?*

Yes

No

Short Answer Responses

At least 4 sentences per question encouraged – If more space is needed, please attach a separate sheet of paper.

What are your career goals and how do you plan on achieving those goals?*

Describe a time you had to overcome a barrier or obstacle in your life.*

How will winning this scholarship help you?*

Application Statement

The information provided on my application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false information on this application will disqualify me from the scholarship.

I acknowledge that I will submit a picture or copy of my unofficial transcript to the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center staff.

I understand that my application will not be considered complete until I submit my transcript. I will submit my transcript no later than 11:59 p.m. CST on Tuesday, December 31st.

I agree

Transcript

Transcripts can be attached to this application, turned in to a TRIO EOC staff member, or emailed to eoc@texarkanacollege.edu.

Max. file size: 400 MB.

Applicant Signature*

Type your full name

Date

Signature*

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The Overcoming Barriers Scholarship Fund recipients receive awards without regard of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. EOC will not award scholarships to applicants who are not qualified and reserves the right not to award a scholarship in a given year.

Overcoming Barriers Scholarship application