The study of California's educational opportunity programs (EOPs) in public higher education was prompted by the requirement within a state assembly bill. The study's two phases were: (1) the collection of data from state files; and (2) intensive site visits to a selection of institutions. The purpose was to understand the differences in program underlying dynamics and environmental factors. The major data findings cover the students of EOPs (sex and ethnicity, academic ability and programs, and income and financial assistance) and special support services. It is concluded that even though the EOPs reach a limited number of students (particularly as compared with other compensatory education programs in the United States), they have made a major difference in the lives of many individuals for whom it provided the opportunity for a college education. The study provides descriptive data and some commentary, but is not evaluative. (MSE)