SUNY Potsdam Welcomes 57th Cohort of Educational Opportunity Program Students

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 at SUNY Potsdam is made possible in part by the historic $10.7 million increase in EOP funding in the fiscal year 2026-27 State budget, thanks to the strong support and commitment by Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

“EOP’s long record of results at SUNY Potsdam speaks for itself. EOP is one of our longstanding cornerstone programs for student access and success,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith. “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and State legislators for their steadfast commitment to advancing higher education opportunities for students at Potsdam, and at campuses across New York State. EOP is a proven program to advance student success and upward mobility.”

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, more than 70 of which are enrolled at Potsdam.

Over the past four years, SUNY Potsdam's Educational Opportunity Program has demonstrated steady improvements in student success, with first-year fall-to-fall retention increasing from 61.5 percent to 83.3 percent. These gains reflect the impact of EOP's comprehensive academic advising, financial assistance, mentoring and student support services, as more students are persisting from year to year, and progressing toward degree completion and graduation.

"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 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."

“The EOP program is just about preparing for college. It’s about discovering your potential,” said EOP student ambassador Jesli Chopin ’28, who is majoring in business administration. “Don’t just chase opportunities; become the kind of person who creates them!”

This year's incoming EOP class represents students from communities across New York State, including New York City, Long Island, the Capital Region, the Mohawk Valley, the Lower Hudson Valley, and the North Country. The cohort also includes a strong group of students from Ellis Preparatory Academy in the Bronx, one of SUNY Potsdam's valued college access and success partners, reflecting the campus's continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities through meaningful K-12 partnerships.

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. Last year, SUNY’s EOP enrollment was more than 8,250 students.

 “Eligibility for EOP is based on a student’s academic promise and financial need, as defined by New York State. But beyond the numbers, each EOP student is a reminder that higher education can and should be a place where every student has the chance to grow, belong and succeed. SUNY Potsdam remains committed to supporting our EOP students from orientation through graduation, helping them to reach their goals and pave the way for those who come after them,” Valdez said.

EOP enrollment is open to all students who meet the program’s longstanding academic and financial need requirements. To learn more about EOP at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/eop.

For additional information about SUNY EOP, please visit www.suny.edu/attend/academics/eop.

About SUNY Potsdam: 
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.