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~ ... at leastit's a start.""The Educational Opportunity Program,since its inception, has assisted 86students with grants totaling in excess of$17,000. We have raised over $22,000for use by EOP."This statement, issued in February, aptlydescribes the major function of EOP.The organization has done more thanthis, however, and its purposes andactions are frequently misunderstood.The program was student initiated, andexists for the benefit of the "culturallydiverse" on the University campus, thosebeing Blacks, Chicanos, or Whitesanyonewho needs help. Grants are notmade in the form of scholarships fortuition payment; they are usually amaximum of $250, and are given tostudents who need money immediatelyto pay for books, rent or food. Theprogram also offers aid in the form oftutoring, counseling and job placement.Funding for the program relies heavilyon student and faculty donations. Eachquarter students are asked to make a$3.00 contribution when they pay theirtuition. Usually about one third of thestudent body participates, a fact that issomewhat discouraging. But at leastit's a start.274