**WE ARE NOW REVIEWING FOR THE FALL 2024 TERM. THE OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS DEADLINE FOR FALL 2024 IS 7/28/24.**
OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS
At SUNY Empire, Opportunity Programs are about closing equity gaps for everyone, regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, etc. We serve all students who meet our eligibility criteria.
After acceptance to the university, you will be notified if you’re eligible for one of our Opportunity Programs.
Opportunity Programs (OP) at SUNY Empire provide an academic community that empowers students with the tools they need to excel in their educational journey. These programs will nurture the potential of participants through dynamic enrichment programming, empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Moreover, the OP Team recognizes the unique needs of each student and provides individualized support, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Through Opportunity Programs, we are not just investing in the potential of individual students; we are actively dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape. By championing the empowerment of historically underserved students, OP levels the playing field- where talent and ambition are no longer hindered by circumstance.
BENEFITS FOR OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS STUDENTS
Enhanced Academic Support and Coaching Services
Help from professional tutors to assist with time management, organization, accountability, and academic content.
Mentorship and Coaching
You get a dedicated advisor that will coach you throughout your degree program. Our team will provide you with the tools and resources you need to succeed at Empire State University and beyond.
Early Degree Planning
Once accepted to one of our Opportunity Programs, you will meet with an advisor to create a degree plan that meets your personal, professional, and academic goals.
Orientation and Programming
You will take part in our extended orientation program to help us get to know each other and give you a foundation for a successful university experience. You also benefit from monthly enrichment workshops, networking, and experts who will keep you engaged and informed.
Financial Assistance*
Some of our Opportunity Programs offer financial assistance. Those who qualify will receive an OP grant to help with university costs.
Laptop Loaner Program
Priority status in our laptop loaner program, where you can be loaned a college laptop throughout the duration of your studies at Empire State University.
Basic Needs
We will refer you to essential community resources if you’re in need of support with housing, food, internet service, and/or mental health.
“If I am honest, attending school online has a completely different vibe from what I am used to. And just like anyone else, I faced my fair share of obstacles, but with the help of the OP team and staff alike, I was able to overcome those obstacles to keep on moving towards my goal. „
-Kiearra Edwards, EOP Student
OUR 8 OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS
MILITARY VETERAN OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (MVOP)
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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (EOP)
FOSTER YOUTH COLLEGE SUCCESS INITIATIVE (FYCSI)
MY BROTHER'S KEEPER: TEACHER OPPORTUNITY CORPS II (TOC)
“If I am honest, attending school online has a completely different vibe from what I am used to. And just like anyone else, I faced my fair share of obstacles, but with the help of the OP team and staff alike, I was able to overcome those obstacles to keep on moving towards my goal.
„
-Kiearra Edwards, EOP Student
| Program Benefits | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Who is eligible | NYS Required | Enhanced Academic Support | Financial Assistance | Mentorship & Coaching | Laptop Loaner | Basic Needs |
| Empire State Opportunity Program (ESOP) | Transfer students who are financially eligible | ||||||
| Education Opportunity Program (EOP) | First-time freshman and opportunity program transfer students (EOP/ HEOP/ College Discovery/ SEEK) who are financially eligible | ||||||
| Empire Promise Program (EPP) | First-time freshman and transfer students who are selected and invited to join | ||||||
| Presidential Scholar's (PSOP) | Those who qualify for EPP and have an associate degree | ||||||
| Military Veteran Opportunity Program (MVOP) | Those who qualify for EPP and are Military-aligned (Active Duty, Veteran, spouse, or dependent) | ||||||
| Foster Youth College Success Initiatives (FYCSI) | Any full or part time student who meets the qualifications | ||||||
| Fortified Classroom (FC) | Any new, first-time student, located in New York City | ||||||
| My Brother's Keeper: Teacher Opportunity Corps II (TOC)* | Empire State Opportunity Program (ESOP) | ||||||
*Currently, only considering those who can be placed at Albany or Schenectady City School District.
To be eligible for admission to our opportunity programs, you must:
- Be accepted to the university through general admission
- Be entering into your first term at the university
- Be a New York state resident for 12 months prior to enrollment (EOP and ESOP only)
- Meet the program’s financial eligibility requirements
- Complete an interview
To apply, you must:
- Be a New York state resident for 12 months prior to admission.
- Note: exceptions may be granted for veterans and military-aligned students
- Exception granted for EPP students
- Have a high-school diploma or equivalency.
- Demonstrate economic need or be a transfer student previously enrolled in another NYS opportunity program
- Complete the FAFSA before acceptance. If you do not intend to complete the FAFSA, contact the Office of Opportunity Programs (OPapply@sunyempire.edu) to learn about other ways to demonstrate financial eligibility.
- EOP Students Only: To be eligible for EOP as a transfer student, you must have been enrolled in the EOP, CD/SEEK, HEOP, or a similar program at your previous college. If your previous college did not have EOP or a similar program, please let us know. You can still receive consideration for transfer eligibility.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Contact the Office of Opportunity Programs
opapply@sunyempire.edu
800-847-3000 ext. 2204
Who is eligible:
Transfer Students who are financially eligible.
New York State Residency required
Program benefits:
Enhanced Academic Support
Financial Assistance
Mentorship & Coaching
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
Who is eligible:
First-time freshmen and opportunity program transfer students (EOP/HEOP/College Discovery/SEEK) who are financially eligible. New York State Residency required.
Program benefits:
Enhanced Academic Support
Financial Assistance
Mentorship & Coaching
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
Who is eligible:
First-time freshmen and transfer students who are selected and invited to join.
Program benefits:
Enhanced Academic Support
Mentorship & Coaching
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
Who is eligible:
Those who qualify for EPP and have an associate degree.
Program benefits:
Enhanced Academic Support
Financial Assistance
Mentorship & Coaching
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
Who is eligible:
Those who qualify for EPP and are Military-aligned (Active Duty, Veteran, spouse, or dependent).
Program benefits:
Enhanced Academic Support
Mentorship & Coaching
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
Who is eligible:
Any full or part time student who meets the qualifications. New York State Residency required.
Program benefits:
Financial Assistance
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
Who is eligible:
Any new, first-time student, located in New York City.
Program benefits:
Enhanced Academic Support
Mentorship & Coaching
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
Who is eligible:
Empire State Opportunity Program (ESOP)
Program benefits:
Enhanced Academic Support
Financial Assistance
Mentorship & Coaching
Loaner Laptop
Basic Needs
**Financial assistance is only received at the graduate level.