Purchase College Welcomes Largest EOP Class

Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY), welcomed 73 new first year students to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) this week for their summer orientation. This shows a significant increase over last year, which had 51 students in the cohort.

Since its inception in 1967, SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 58-year history, the EOP has served nearly 90,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access programs. EOP eligibility is based on income and academic readiness.

There are 55 participating campuses with EOP programs throughout the SUNY system. During the summer months, participating campuses conduct special orientation programs so EOP students have the benefit of a residential college experience before joining their class for the fall semester. The EOP students are at Purchase College for their summer orientation from July 6 through July 25.

"For nearly 60 years, EOP has created a path to upward mobility for students and their families—making college a reality to pursue their dream careers," said SUNY Chancellor King. "This program, made possible thanks to the steadfast commitment of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, supports thousands of SUNY students each year, and empowers them to unleash their full potential."

State Assembly Member Latrice Walker, who is a Purchase College alumna of the EOP program said, "SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program has helped to open the doors of education to tens of thousands of students in New York since it was created in 1967. A proud graduate of SUNY Purchase, I was one of those students. The EOP program provides critical financial and academic support to students like my younger self, who grew up in public housing in Brownsville and dared to dream big…. Count me among those who are rooting for the success of each and every student."

For additional information about Purchase College’s EOP, visit: https://www.purchase.edu/offices/eopmap/.

About Purchase College, SUNY

Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, in order to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students. Today, Purchase College, SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information about the College, visit www.purchase.edu.