Education Equal Opportunity Group

Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders — because you cannot be what you cannot see.

For 25 years the Education Equal Opportunity Group has put working families' kids in the same room as the people who hire, teach and lead. Founded in Nashville in 2001 by George Thomas — a first-generation college graduate himself — this 501(c)(3) partners with high schools and colleges to reach low-to-moderate-income, first-generation and at-risk students, then hands them what money can't buy: mentors, practice, exposure and a plan. EEOG reports more than 40,000 high school graduates supported, with 30,000 going on to four-year universities. The motto says it all — you cannot be what you cannot see.

What EEOG Does

Career Speed Networking (CSNP)

EEOG's flagship program — rapid, one-on-one sessions that put students face to face with industry leaders from the public and private sectors, building confidence, communication skills and a real network.

Educational Speaker Series (ESSP)

Speakers from business, politics, social justice, media and the arts share how they got there — plus character building, community service and financial literacy.

Leaders Are Readers (LARP)

A five-week literacy program using advanced, standards-aligned texts to help high school students strengthen reading and academic performance.

Scholarships & the Annual Gala

EEOG's premier fundraiser honors scholarship recipients and raises the money that sends students with financial need on to college.

Summer Enrichment & STEM

EEOG has run summer enrichment sessions covering coding, video game design, financial literacy, conversational Spanish and character development for high school students.

Who EEOG Serves

Partnering with high schools and colleges to reach low-to-moderate-income, first-generation and at-risk students — generally a 2.7 GPA or higher and qualifying for free or reduced lunch.

Founder & President

George Thomas

Founder & President, Education Equal Opportunity Group, Inc.

A St. Louis native and a first-generation college graduate, George Thomas earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at Tennessee State University and founded EEOG in 2001. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Chairman of the George Thomas Scholarship Fund, and has served as Vice Chair of the Scholarship Committee for the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) and on the board of Prohealth Rural Healthcare; Future Ready Nashville recognized him as a leading community activist. Twenty-five years in, he is still doing the same work — getting students in the room with people who can show them what's possible.

Why This One Is Personal

Me and George Go Back to the Aristocrat of Bands

George Thomas and I met at Tennessee State University in the fall of 1991. We were both members of the TSU Aristocrat of Bands, and we have been like brothers ever since.

George, like myself, is a loving father and husband, and he cares about the kids of the future.

That's why EEOG is on this app. I have watched this man work for a quarter century, and our union families should know exactly where to send their students.

— Kevin Bradshaw

President, Memphis & West Tennessee Central Labor Council

Talent Is Everywhere. Opportunity Is Not.

EEOG works with students who are often the first in their family headed to college — young people carrying a 2.7 GPA or better who qualify for free or reduced lunch, in schools where nobody has walked them through a resume, a handshake or a college application. EEOG partners directly with high schools and colleges across Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia and Kentucky, with North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana and Texas next, and brings the working world to them. EEOG reports more than 40,000 high school graduates supported — 86% graduating with honors — and 30,000 students enrolled at four-year universities, including 7,800 graduates.

Sit at the Table — Volunteer for Career Speed Networking

Students get a few minutes with each professional in the room. Take a seat, tell them what your trade or job really pays, what it really takes, and how you got in. Leave your name and we'll reach out when EEOG schedules the next Career Speed Networking event.

Your information stays private and is only used to reach you about volunteering with students.

A Community Partner of Labor Education

Labor has always said the same thing EEOG says: talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. Our members' kids, grandkids and neighbors are exactly the students EEOG was built for — first-generation, hardworking, and one introduction away from a career. Union members can help in the most direct way possible: sit at a Career Speed Networking table and tell students what a skilled trade, a public-sector job or an apprenticeship really pays and really requires. And when a student finishes high school, our apprenticeship and trades pathways are right here waiting. Reach EEOG: eeog.org · Kortney@eeog.org · (615) 876-0215 · PO Box 24056, Nashville, TN 37202.

Connect with Education Equal Opportunity Group

Want to get involved, partner, or learn more? Reach out through their website.