Alfred State has welcomed its incoming class of Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students to campus for summer orientation. The EOP summer orientation program gives incoming students the benefit of a residential college experience before starting their classes for the fall semester. At ASC, 34 incoming EOP students are participating in the summer prep academy (SPA) this year.
SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program provides affordable excellence and comprehensive support to help students from low-income backgrounds who did not receive sufficient academic preparation in K-12 – many of whom are the first in their families to go to college – succeed in earning a degree.
The EOP program on Alfred State is made possible in part by the historic $10.7 million increase in EOP funding in the fiscal year 2026-2027 State budget thanks to the strong support and commitment by Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
“I am excited to have our EOP students on campus.” said Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro. “Our SPA program is such a great start for these students. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and State legislators for their steadfast commitment to advancing higher education opportunities for students on our campus, and at campuses across New York State. EOP is a proven program to advance student success and upward mobility.”
"For nearly 60 years, SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program has supported tens of thousands of students, helping them move forward on a path to upward mobility and success," said SUNY Chancellor John King. "The program has made higher education more accessible for students throughout New York State and opened doors for meaningful and successful careers. We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, the State Legislature, and for the SUNY Board of Trustees for their continued investment in empowering EOP students and supporting their efforts to unleash their full potential."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program has a proven track record of supporting students to thrive on campus and be ready to succeed after graduation. Through the strong support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, SUNY EOP will be able to provide support for more students as they work to pursue their dreams."
Since 2022, SUNY EOP enrollment has increased by 21 percent, reflecting continued demand for the program and the confidence students and families place in its supports. In its 59-year history, EOP has graduated nearly 90,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access program. There are more than 9,000 EOP students throughout the SUNY System, 132 of which are enrolled at Alfred State.
EOP enrollment is open to all students who meet the program’s longstanding academic and financial need requirements.
“EOP has truly transformed my college experience,” commented EOP Mentor Erica Green. “It has given me the opportunity to learn from my mistakes, grow from them, and make the right choices. Knowing that I wasn't alone on this journey has been incredibly empowering. The support, guidance, and sense of community EOP provides has helped me build confidence, overcome challenges, and become the person I am today.”
EOP Ambassador, Christian Moore added, “EOP has given me the skills to be a leader and excel academically. This experience has taught me how to be an advocate for others and has given me the opportunity to make an impact on those around me and the greater Alfred community. Where I come from success is something that is not always attainable but through my EOP experience I have had so many successes, and I couldn’t have done it without this program.”
Green continued, “I really hope the new students feel at ease, full of confidence, and thrilled as they step into this exciting new chapter. I also hope they see how amazing this opportunity is and feel truly grateful for the chance they’ve been given.”
Moore added, “I hope the new EOP students inspire each other, teach each other and advocate for others as the program does for us. They can persevere through any problem and reach any goal.”
To learn more about SUNY EOP at Alfred State, visit www.alfredstate.edu/admissions/opportunity-programs/educational-opportunity-program-eop