Quote Quoting hgffrank
I recently read an article describing that the Equal Employment Oportunity Commision has determined that descriminatiing against an applicant specifically because of a conviction violates the EEOC guidelines.
What you probably read was that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has held that without a specifically-articulated business necessity, it is considered discrimination for an employer to inquire about arrests that did not result in conviction. Some states also impose limits on the ability of employers to inquire about arrests. However you describe yourself as having been convicted.

Quote Quoting hgffrank
I was also only 17 when the offenses occurred and I am now going on 26, so I feel like I am being unfairly denied jobs that I am most definitely qualified for and even over qualified in many cases.
You should look into the possibility of expungement.