EOP is an education access and retention program that provides support services to low-income, first-generation college students. The California State University system established the program on its campuses in 1969.

"The CSU Chancellor's Office has declared September as 'EOP Month,' and Northridge is inviting everyone on campus and in the community to join us as we recognize the important role the program has played in helping the students who have come through it to succeed," said Jose Luis Vargas, director of CSUN's Educational Opportunity Program.

The celebration is scheduled to take place from noon to 2 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Student Services Building/Bayramian Hall on the west side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge. The event will feature live music, a performance by the hip-hop group, The Groovaloos, and an appearance from representatives of FM-100.3 The Beat.

EOP has satellite service centers in nearly all of CSUN's academic colleges as well as in the university's Learning Resource Center and financial aid offices. Vargas said representatives from those offices will be on to hand to meet with students and answer any of their questions.

There are currently more than 3,000 EOP students enrolled at Northridge, and Vargas said the Sept. 28 celebration is in part to welcome them into the CSUN community and encourage the campus community to learn more about EOP.

"In addition to providing support to EOP students, our offices also are designed to offer assistance to all of CSUN's students," Vargas said. "This event is one way of reaching out to the entire community to let them know that we're here if they need us, and of course, to celebrate what we do."

In addition to providing support to Northridge students, EOP also works with local elementary, middle and high schools to encourage young people to continue their education and help them learn that a college degree is not out of reach.