New York state recently awarded Syracuse University $9.5 million to support both the full-time Higher Education Opportunity Program, housed within the School of Education, and part-time HEOP program in University College, for another five years (2019-2024). The funding will make it possible to continue to offer academic support services, tuition assistance, supplemental financial assistance and full-need packaging to enable them to successfully complete the components required for graduation.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the state-funded program that provides a broad range of services to New York state residents who would otherwise be unable to attend a postsecondary educational institution. The program was established by the New York State Legislature in 1969 to provide access to independent colleges and universities for economically and educationally disadvantaged students from New York state. Later, it was renamed to honor Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve. His efforts ensure that each year thousands of students have a chance to pursue higher education as a way to a better life.
Joanna Masingila, dean of the School of Education, says:
“The HEOP program certainly lives up to its mission as a higher education opportunity program. Many students who have graduated from Syracuse University have found academic and social support in the HEOP program. I am very proud of the work that Craig Tucker, director of support services, and his team do every day in supporting student learning and success for students across schools and colleges.”
“The awarding of the HEOP grant to Syracuse University for the next five years is monumental,” says Tucker. “It reflects a 50-year collaboration between Syracuse University and New York state that allows well-deserving students an exceptional opportunity to study and earn a degree from a top-notch private research institution of higher education.”
Tucker says the grant is a great tribute to Syracuse University’s longstanding legacy of being innovative leaders in higher education.
“Syracuse University’s commitment to providing not only access but also support to those academically and/or financially ineligible is yet another fine example of our commitment to excellence, diversity and inclusion,” he says.