ASPIRE Program

• EOP Criteria
• Penn State EOP Provisions
• EOP Application Process
• EOP at Schuylkill

1. Pennsylvania resident.
2. Family's adjusted gross income must fall within the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for low income households.
3. Applicant may not meet regular admission criteria for his/her selected campus and/or may need basic skills courses and/or supplemental academic support.

EOP Provisions at Penn State

In addition to providing an offer of enrollment to Penn State, the program provides series of a study skills workshops, academic support, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

EOP Application Process

If you wish to apply for admission to Penn State and be considered for EOP, you must take the following steps:

1. Complete an application for admission to Penn State. If you cannot afford to pay the application fee, ask your principal or guidance counselor to attach a fee waiver request to the application.
2. Complete the EOP Financial Information Form (FIF) and attach it to the application for admission. If you do not have a FIF, you may obtain one from an admissions office at any Penn State location or Penn State Community Recruitment Center.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may obtain this from your high school guidance counselor or any Penn State location. This form should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. To be considered for maximum financial aid, you should submit this form before February 15.

Applicants who meet the academic and financial qualifications will be interviewed for this program. Those accepted into the EOP will be notified by mail.

For More Information:

You can receive more detailed information and the mentioned forms by contacting an Admissions counselor or by visiting Penn State Schuylkill.

EOP at Schuylkill

Teresa Burkhart is the EOP contact for Penn State, Schuylkill campus. The following services are provided:

• Regular EOP group meetings: The focus of every meeting is to provide information and academic support that is most beneficial to EOP students. Currently, the meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, during the fall and spring semesters. Discussion at meetings is confidential.
• Individual Meetings: Each new student is scheduled for an individual interview at the beginning of the semester. Additional individual meetings can be scheduled at any time during the semester. Meetings are confidential.
• Tutoring: EOP students may receive one additional tutoring session at the Center for Academic Achievement.
• Financial: The $100 acceptance fee is waived. The $300 housing security deposit is paid from financial aid (if funds are available). However, students must replenish the deposit whenever damages are taken out.
• Additional Benefits:  Come to group meeting or an individual appointment to learn about additional benefits such as our book loan program.