The Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit consortium of professionals with the specific purpose of leveling the playing field of educational opportunity for first-generation, low-income, underrepresented, disabled students and veterans. EOA is the representative body of those persons who have an active interest or who are professionally involved in broadening accessibility to and success in formal post-secondary education. This includes many colleges, universities, and agencies that host educational opportunity programs, including TRIO programs, within the ten states in the Midwest. Formally established in 1975, EOA (formerly known as MAEOPP) represents professional educators in more than 615 different programs throughout the Midwest and reaches more than 165,532 students.