Our Mission
The State University of New York’s Queens Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), administered by York College, has been in existence since 1991. Conveniently located in downtown Jamaica within a transportation hub within the business district, it is easily accessible to community residents.
The goal of the Queens (EOC) is to produce lifelong learners who are self-directed, empowered, and committed to excellence. Students and residents of the surrounding communities are provided a range of services designed to develop their academic, career and workforce development and life skills necessary to become increasingly productive individuals. Program and services are structured to adapt to the needs of the community, and to serve as a readily accessible first step toward the attainment of long-term education/and or career goals. The Queens EOC is committed to forging supportive service linkages with educational institutions and community-based organizations in partnership to assist and support residents of New York State. The provision of Student Support Services involves connecting with numerous and varied agencies and resources to assist the persistence, successful completion and graduation of students that culminate in employment, college admission or additional career training.
The Educational Opportunity Centers of the state of New York are funded through annual base appropriations to the network of statewide EOC’s through the Governor’s Executive Budget and oversight provided by SUNY’s University Center for Academic and Workforce Development (UCAWD). All programs are tuition-free for eligible participants. Current programs include English For Speakers of Other Languages (3 levels), High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) Preparation, Basic Education (Pre-GED), Developmental Studies (Literacy entry for GED Prep); Accelerated HSE/GED Preparation, Pathways to College (College Preparation), Certified Professional Coder & Biller, Security Guard Registration Training, Home Health Aide/Personal Care Assistant, Career Employment Opportunities (CEO), OSHA 10/30 and a range of community services including the College Connections Initiative.
The Queens EOC is also certified by the New York State Education Department as a GED testing site. Additionally, it is a Microsoft IT Academy via the presence of its federally funded Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) Lab that offers Microsoft certifications and other technology options for new users and those upskilling to advanced levels.
Annually, the Queens EOC enrolls close to 1,000 students and provides a host of services including referrals, post-employment services and pre-/post-college follow-up to hundreds more. The EOC welcomes participating with agencies, schools and community-based programs, so please consider inviting the Queens EOC to your events or to present to your staff or students about opportunities that are available to advance them forward. If you would like to assist or join the SUNY-Queens EOC in the delivery of quality educational and workforce development programs and services for New York State residents, please do not hesitate to reach out to EOC Administration at freeclasses@queens.eoc.suny.edu
Empowering Upward Mobility
Striving with Excellence | Serving with Pride