Office of Economic Opportunity

Definition

The Office of Economic Opportunity was a federal agency created by President Johnson as part of his War on Poverty. It aimed to implement programs and initiatives to alleviate poverty and promote economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities.

Related terms

Community Action Programs: These were local initiatives supported by the OEO that empowered low-income communities to identify their own needs and develop solutions.

Job Corps: A program under the OEO that provided vocational training, education, and employment opportunities for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Head Start: Another initiative launched by the OEO which offered comprehensive early childhood education, nutrition, health, and parent involvement services to children from low-income families.