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Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services

Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Arthur Eve

Arthur O. Eve
Member of the New York State Assembly (1967–2003) and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly (1979–2003) representing districts in Buffalo, New York

 

HEOP Eligibility Criteria

Student Eligibility

 Institutional Eligibility

  • Competitive grants are awarded to independent non-public institutions of higher education incorporated by the New York State legislature or chartered by the Board of Regents and offering two- or four-year degree programs registered with and approved by the Board of Regents.
  • Programs must serve matriculated students who are working toward a degree.
  • Students shall be selected without regard to age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation.
Colleges and universities participating in HEOP receive funds from New York State through the New York State Education Department and are administered by the participating HEOP colleges themselves.  Applications and inquiries regarding eligibility and financial aid need must be made directly at the college level. HEOP is not a scholarship given to individual students, but a grant awarded to selected independent non-public colleges and universities.
HEOP Directory

HEOP Directory Information

HEOP Forms

Student Transfer Form

Fiscal Information

HEOP Data
HEOP Request for Proposal Information, NYS Education Commissioner's Rules & Regulations, Fiscal Guidelines, and NYS Education Law § 6451 & § 6452

2024-2029 HEOP RFP Materials

* We are not able to talk about the RFP during this period. Please submit any questions re: 2024-2029 HEOP RFP via email to RFPGC24-001@nysed.gov with the words RFP GC#24- 001 in the subject line by September 8, 2023.

2019-2024 HEOP RFP Materials

Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of The State of New York

HEOP Fiscal Guidelines

New York Consolidated Laws, Education Law § 6451 & § 6452 

Information on SUNY Educational Opportunity Program and CUNY Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge & College Discovery
HEOP Professional Organization

HEOP-PO

Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act

For more information on the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/

Memorandums & Guidance for NYS Opportunity Programs (HEOP, EOP, SEEK, & CD)

HEOP Mission

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides a broad range of services to New York State residents who, because of educational and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend a postsecondary educational institution. Each HEOP institution must ensure that HEOP students are provided with sufficient academic support services, tuition assistance, supplemental financial assistance, and full need packaging to enable them to successfully complete the institutional components required for graduation.

HEOP Objectives

  • Provide access to postsecondary education to eligible students
  • Identify, evaluate, and recruit eligible students and enable them to complete a higher education experience
  • Improve the retention and graduation rates of disadvantaged students 

HEOP Services

  • Provides funds to assist in the screening and testing of prospective students
  • Provides structured academic support services including a pre-entry summer program, counseling, tutoring, and remedial/developmental coursework
  • Provides supplemental financial and tuition assistance toward their college expenses

HEOP addresses students needs by

  • Introducing students to college expectations via a pre-entry summer program.
  • Offering academic, career, financial, and career counseling.
  • Providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring.
  • Offering remedial, developmental, and support services .

Contact Information:

New York State Education Department
Office of Postsecondary Access, Support, and Success
Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program
89 Washington Avenue, EBA 960
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3719
cdpu@nysed.gov

*Please note, HEOP is not a scholarship given to individual students, but a grant awarded to selected independent colleges and universities.  Students cannot apply to HEOP through NYSED's website.  Students who are interested in HEOP must directly contact participating HEOP colleges & universities for the college and/or university's application information. Please see the HEOP directory for participating college & university's contact information. Students interested in EOP should visit SUNY's website for more information.  Students interested in SEEK/CD should visit CUNY's website for more information.

Student Testimonials

Alexis Arias

Ithaca College • Class of 2027

Major: Business Administration - Finance;
 
Minor: Psychology
 
Hometown: New York, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles, and Awards Received:  HEOP Admissions Ambassador, HEOP Peer Mentor, Brothers 4 Brothers (B4B) Political Chair, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. Treasurer and Recruitment Chair, Core Trading Consultants Member, American Marketing Association Member
 
HEOP has been vital to my success at IC. Their safe and comfortable space has helped me deal with the challenges of being a first-gen college student. They provide access to both peer and faculty tutors, which is an amazing resource. Additionally, HEOP hosts helpful workshops. They have had a profound impact on my educational experience, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that is committed to helping me succeed.

 

Amena Begum

New York University • Class of 2024

Major: Criminology & Applied Psychology

Minor: Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles, and Awards Received: Dean’s List (Spring 2021), NYU Law Mock Trial (April 2022), NYU Welcome Leader (Summer 2022), Alpha Phi Omega (Vice President of Leadership, 2023)

HEOP has allowed me to feel a sense of community. In a school as big as NYU, I’ve never felt more connected to my peers than I do with my HEOP family. Throughout my 4 years of college, I could explore my interests without worrying about financial barriers. I am forever thankful to HEOP for guiding me on the path to discovering my academic and career passions.

 

Ali Boivab

Columbia University • Class of 2025

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Queens, NY

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: I am a unionized gov employee working PT for NYC Council as a Community Liaison. I also volunteer with CUNY Citizenship Now to help immigrant New Yorkers file for citizenship. Aside from that, I am a Research Assistant for Harvard University, studying political incorporation of immigrants in New York City. I am currently a junior studying Political Science who hopes to go to Law School to become an immigration lawyer.

HEOP means possibility. It is the badge of honor I wear with pride as I walk around the campus and make my voice heard. It is the nemesis of the voice in my head that says, “You are a first generation student from a low-income family, you will never make it.” It is my courage when I fear I am not strong enough to power through my failures. It is the community of students and staff around me who give me hope, power, and solidarity to achieve my goals and dreams in life.

 

Brianna Broadwell

Keuka College • Class of 2027

Major: Criminal Justice
 
Minor: Pre-Law
 
Hometown: Cato, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Keuka College Field Hockey Team
 
HEOP has helped me tremendously. My first semester of college was less of a challenge because of this program. The support it provides helped me manage my work, with my athletic schedule and mental health as well. Without HEOP and the financial support it provides, I wouldn’t be able to afford to attend college. My family and I are beyond grateful for this opportunity and are looking forward to what the rest of the years at Keuka will bring.

 

Clement Banahene

New York Institute of Technology • Class of 2024

Major: Electrical & computer Engineering Techology
 
Hometown: Mount Vernon, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Presidential honor lists, Deans lists, XAE Emerald key, HEOP award, Peer Success Guide Award, Peer Tutor, Phi Eta Sigma, Chi Epsilon.
 
As an electrical and computer engineering technology student, HEOP has been instrumental financially and academically. The program’s financial support has eased the financial difficulties associated with my major, enabling me to concentrate on academic pursuits without financial strain. Moreover, HEOP’s academic resources, including tutoring and mentorship, have enhanced my understanding of engineering concepts. This support has shaped my experience and positioned me for success in the field of electrical and computer engineering.

 

Jesslyn Gifford

Keuka College • Class of 2026

Major: Psychology
 
Hometown: Downsville, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society
 
When I first got to college I was so nervous and didn’t think I was going make it. It took some time to get used the environment and, through the ups and downs, HEOP was always there, willing to help me with advice and help me succeed. HEOP is like a second family that supports me and helps me approach college. I was able to have a different mindset when it came and learned how to do things on my own. I work hard for my grades and have perseverance but if it wasn’t for HEOP I don’t know if I would enjoy college as much as I do. HEOP is family.

 

Fousani Hamidou

St Lawrence University • Class of 2024

Major: Global Studies
 
Minor: African Studies
 
Hometown: Bronx, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Pres. Men in Color, VP of The Black Laurentian Initiative, VP of Student Affairs of Student Government, Black Student Union, La Sociedad (Hispanic Student Union), House of Representatives Intern, Study Abroad in Kenya, Recipient of Involvement in Diversity/Inclusion Award
 
HEOP has helped me push my limits far beyond what I thought I was capable of without the financial stress. Thanks to HEOP, I’ve been able to obtain E-board positions in multiple clubs and organizations including the school's student government. The HEOP coordinators provided me with advice and pushed me to the best of my ability to achieve more for myself. HEOP has been an opportunity of a lifetime and life-changing.

 

Karuna Kharka

Syracuse University • Class of 2025

Major: Psychology
 
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Global Medical Brigades, Hindu Student Association (HSA) and South Asian Student Association (SASA)
 
HEOP has been a guiding force that has shaped my academic and personal journey in profound ways. The program’s unwavering support and commitment to student success have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges, discover my potential, and become a more resilient, empathetic, and accomplished individual. I am truly grateful for the opportunities HEOP has provided and the positive impact it has had on my life.

 

Adelisa Badzic

St John Fisher University • Class of 2023

Major: Media & Communications
 
Minor: Women & Gender Studies
 
Hometown: Rochester, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Staff Writer for Cardinal Courier, Anchor on Cardinal TV, Student Government, Media Washington Scholar
 
HEOP has shaped me and my education so much. I have such a strong support system due to them and made so many new connections.