The Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) was a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The legislation aimed to eradicate the roots of poverty by opening educational, employment, and training opportunities for the economically disadvantaged. The EOA established a variety of programs, including Job Corps, Head Start, and Community Action Agencies, to empower individuals and provide them with the tools necessary to break the cycle of poverty recognizing that systemic barriers often hindered economic mobility. One of its primary innovations was the emphasis on grassroots, local-scale involvement in the design and implementation of poverty alleviation programs. By prioritizing community engagement and local decision-making, the EOA fostered a sense of ownership and agency among residents, leading to more sustainable and tailored interventions.
Economic Opportunity Act of 1964

1964