In 1969, during a time of racial unrest and under pressure from students, Marquette University established the Educational Opportunity Program. This documentary, produced to commemorate the program's 45th anniversary, chronicles the battle for college access for low-income, first-generation students. From its humble beginnings in Milwaukee then to its influence on a national level now, this pioneering program has changed the lives of thousands.  

Since 1969, EOP has served thousands of students.

• Student Suppport Services (EOP established at MU in 1969, first SSS grant received in 1970)
• 280 current students
• Over 2000 MU graduates
• McNair Scholars (established at MU in 1990)
• 32 current students
• 480 past participants, including 34 who have earned doctoral degrees
• Upward Bound (established at MU in 1973)
• 155 current students
• Served over 5,500 students since program inception
• High school graduation rate in most recent Annual Performance Report 99%
• College Enrollment rate in most recent Annual Performance Report 86%
• Six-year college graduation rate in most recent Annual Performance Report 62%
• Upward Bound Math & Science (established at MU in 1990)
• 68 current students
• Served over 1,100 students since program inception
• High school graduation rate in most recent Annual Performance Report 100%
• College Enrollment Rate in most recent Annual Performance Report 89%
• Six-year college graduation rate in most recent Annual Performance Report 78%
• Educational Talent Search (established at MU in 2016)
• 512 current students
• Served over 1,012 students since program inception

College Enrollment rate in most recent Annual Performance Report 100% (26 of 26 graduates)