(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the California Community Colleges recognize the need and accept the responsibility for extending the opportunities for community college education to all who may profit from that education regardless of economic, social, and educational status. It is the intent and purpose of the Legislature in establishing the Community College Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) to encourage local community colleges to establish and implement programs directed to identifying those students affected by language, social, and economic handicaps, to increase the number of eligible EOPS students served, and to assist those students to achieve their educational objectives and goals, including, but not necessarily limited to, obtaining job skills, occupational certificates, or associate degrees, and transferring to four-year institutions.

(b) The rules and regulations of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges shall be consistent with this article. The operation of EOPS, as well as these rules and regulations, shall be consistent with all of the following goals:

(1) To increase the number and percentage of students enrolled in community colleges who are affected by language, social, and economic disadvantages, consistent with state and local matriculation policies.

(2) To increase the number and percentage of EOPS students who successfully complete their chosen educational objectives.

(3) To increase the number and percentage of EOPS students who are successfully placed into career employment.

(4) To increase the number and percentage of EOPS students who transfer to four-year institutions following completion of the related educational programs at community colleges.

(5) To strive to assist community colleges to meet student and employee affirmative action objectives.

(6) To improve the delivery of programs and services to the disadvantaged.

(c) The Legislature further intends that EOPS shall not be viewed as the only means of providing services to nontraditional and disadvantaged students or of meeting student and employee affirmative action objectives.

(d) The Legislature finds that the establishment and development of extended opportunity programs and services are essential to the conservation and development of the cultural, social, economic, intellectual, and vocational resources of the state.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 134. Effective January 1, 2007.)