The Education Research & Opportunity Center

Have you read our latest work?
We recently released new reports exploring how Tennessee can prepare students for an increasingly automated workforce!

These insights highlight evidence-based strategies and practices that may help inform your work in career and technical education (CTE) and workforce development.

Check out our latest findings: [Link in bio]

New Blog Post: Second Chances Matter!

Education can be a powerful tool for transformation, and EOC is dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals on their path to success.

In our latest blog post, we explore how EOC provides guidance, resources, and access to educational opportunities, helping individuals rebuild their lives and achieve their goals.

📖 Read the full story now! Click the link in bio to learn more about our impact.

PCUB Students Making an Impact Through Community Service!

At Pre-College Upward Bound (PCUB), community service is more than just giving back, it’s about developing real-world skills, fostering leadership, and opening doors to future opportunities.

Throughout the year, PCUB students engage in meaningful service projects at places like
📍 KARM Thrift Store – Alcoa
📍 Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee – Maryville

Through these experiences, students gain
📝Community engagement skills—learning the importance of service and social responsibilities

📝Career exposure—preparing for future job opportunities through hands-on involvement

📝Academic support—fulfilling requirements for programs like National Beta Club, Key Club, and other extracurriculars

📝Scholarship eligibility—meeting requirements for Tennessee Promise and UT Promise, which provide last-dollar scholarships to public 2-year colleges and UT campuses

📝By serving their communities, PCUB students strengthen their leadership skills, build networks, and prepare for success in college and beyond.

Learn more about PCUB and its impact
Vist ero.utk.edu or contact our PCUB Educational Specialists!

AEUB @ Big Orange STEM Saturday

Big Orange STEM Saturday (BOSS) is more than just an eventfor students. It is an opportunity for students in our TRIO/Upward Bound high school programs to engage with STEM in an immersive way.

A collaborative effort between TRIO programs like Academic Enrichment Upward Bound (AEUB) and the dedicated staff this event introduces students to STEM fields through interactive workshops and real-world applications.

With the support of library specialist Thura Mack and a team of experts, students:
✅ Explore STEM disciplines in a dynamic learning environment
✅ Engage in hands-on problem-solving activities
✅ Gain insights into college resources and academic success strategies

By bridging the gap between high school and higher education, BOSS empowers students to think critically, explore career pathways, and gain confidence in STEM fields.

We’re proud to partner with UTK Libraries to provide these transformative experiences for our students!

MSUB at Big Orange STEM Saturday

Students from our Math and Science Upward Bound (MSUB), Pre-College Upward Bound (PCUB), and Academic Enrichment Upward Bound (AEUB) programs came together for an exciting day of discovery at Big Orange STEM Saturday (BOSS)! Hosted by UT Libraries, this event introduced students to the world of STEM through interactive, hands-on workshops designed to spark curiosity and build real-world problem-solving skills.

Through engaging activities, students:
✅ Explored STEM disciplines in a fun, immersive environment
✅ Participated in hands-on workshops led by experts
✅ Gained valuable insights into potential career paths in science, technology, engineering, and math

Events like BOSS go beyond the classroom and help our TRIO students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and a passion for learning that will support their future academic and career success!

MSUB Tours Maryville College!

Our Math and Science Upward Bound (MSUB) students took their learning beyond the classroom with a hands-on visit to Maryville College during the fall Meet Maryville open house!

During the visit, students:
✅ Explored campus life on a guided tour
✅ Engaged with faculty to learn about academic programs
✅ Attended information sessions to develop their college and career readiness skills

College visits like these help our students develop critical decision-making skills, expand their academic and career awareness, and build confidence in navigating higher education opportunities. Experiences like this are what TRIO is all about—empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need for a successful future!

To learn more about MSUB visit our website: ero.utk.edu
Link is in our bio

Within our outreach TRiO programs, we strive to go beyond academics by fostering the growth of well-rounded individuals who value community and the importance of giving back. Today, we’re highlighting Math and Science Upward Bound, where one of the program’s standout initiatives is the annual December Saturday Session. This session features a meaningful partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps on Toys for Tots, bringing students together to make a lasting impact.

This marks our third year working on this community service project. For many of our students, this project holds a special place in their hearts because they’ve experienced the impact of Toys for Tots firsthand. By giving back, students not only help their community but also earn hours toward their community service requirements.

Through opportunities like this, our students develop leadership, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility that will serve them in every aspect of their lives. We’re proud to see our students take pride in making a difference!

To learn more about Math and Science Upward Bound please visit out website: ero.utk.edu

Today, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and his leadership, which demonstrates the power of ethical leadership, nonviolent resistance, and transformative change. His work serves as a lasting example of how collective action and clear vision can challenge injustice.

Join us here at ERO in congratulating our project director & principal investigator Charles White on this accomplishment!

Congratulations to Charles White on being elected Vice President of the 2025-2027 TN TRIO Officers! As the Principal Investigator and Project Director for the Academic Enrichment Upward Bound (AEUB) Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, he has continually demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to empowering first-generation and low-income students. His dedication to transforming lives through education is truly inspiring. We are excited to see the impact of his leadership in this new role and his continued efforts to uplift the TRIO community!

Today, we honor the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans. Your service has shaped our nation and protected our freedoms. Thank you for your unwavering commitment!

Attention High School Seniors & Parents!

Need help with your FAFSA, Career Planning, or the College Admission Process? We've got you covered, including assistance with the NC Residency Determination (RDS) Application for the college of your choice! Connect with Alicia Norton for free, confidential support. Alicia works with individuals in GA & NC.

Call or text: (828) 371-7135
Schedule an appointment: Scan the QR code!

All services are FREE & CONFIDENTIAL!

The Educational Opportunity Center is funded by the US Department of Education and administered by the CAPS Outreach Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

We have exciting news! We are proud to share the impact of the ECMC Foundation FAFSA Student Support Strategy Grant, awarded in June 2024, totaling $77,605. This initiative has helped empower first-generation, low-income adults in their pursuit of post-secondary education by increasing FAFSA completion rates and college enrollment, with a special focus on first-time students.

Key Outcomes from the Grant:

585 FAFSA completions

84 FAFSA completion events

1,854 community members participated in FAFSA completion events

During the summer our incredible outreach team held workshops across rural Appalachia. Together, we are making education more accessible for all. Learn more about the EOC’s mission and impact through out website: ero.utk.edu