1. Operation Inform The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Myths and Realities: Understanding the Educational Opportunity Program

2. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 What is EOP? The State University of New York Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides college access to economically disadvantaged and academically under prepared New York State residents, who wish to attend a SUNY institution. Although under prepared, students accepted into the Educational Opportunity Program must show promise to master college-level work with the support of program resources. Offered primarily for full-time students who are New York State residents, EOP applicants must meet both academic and financial guidelines.

3. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 If you believe that education makes a fundamental difference in the lives of students, not only with regard to career preparation, but in human development; if you believe that an educated person – exposed to a broader understanding of the world in which he or she lives – has the potential to become a better citizen, a better neighbor or a better employee as a result of that education, then you understand the value of Opportunity Programs.

4. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 EOP  Established in 1967  Exists on 45 of the 64 SUNY campuses including community colleges.  Serves approximately 11,000 students annually, enrolling about 3,000 new students per year.  Over 46,000 EOP alumni

5. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Services that EOP Provides  Pre-freshman/Summer programs  Academic Advisement  Personal and career counseling  Workshops (i.e. study skills, time management, computer literacy, library research, leadership, and critical inquiry  Tutoring  Individual and group counseling  Mentoring  Supplemental financial assistance

6. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Support Starts Early  Summer programs provide students with an opportunity to acclimate to the college environment prior to fall matriculation. In most cases, students receive instruction and other support services in preparation for the first year of their academic experience.  Summer programs exist on approximately 28 campuses  Programs range from 3 days to 5 weeks in length

7. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Eligibility To be eligible for admission to EOP you must be:  A first-time freshman  A New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment  Ineligible for admission under traditional standards, but demonstrate potential for completing a college program  In need of financial assistance within income guidelines established annually by the State University of New York, Office of Opportunity Programs

8. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Application Process for Freshmen  Start the application process early. Students must check EOP on the SUNY application.  High school record/home schooled record/GED score and Test Scores (SAT/ACT). The admission criteria will vary depending on the school to which the student is apply.  Supplemental Application  Letters of recommendation from school counselors and teachers

9. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Income Guidelines Household Size (including head of household) Total Annual Income in Previous Calendar Year Category ACategory BCategory C 1$14,100$18,900$20,700 2$19,600$24,400$26,200 3$22,350$27,150$28,950 4$27,800$32,600$34,400 5$32,859$37,650$39,450 6$38,550$43,350$45,150 7$42,900*$47,700*$49,500* * plus $4,350 for each additional family member Household Categories A Supported by one or more individuals whose combined income is from Social Security or sources other than employment and which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category A" above. B Supported by more than one or more worker(s) whose combined total annual income does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category B" above. C For households supported by one worker with two or more employers, which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category C" above.

10. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Eligibility without Reference to Income Table  Family receives payment from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Home Relief, Safety Net or Family Day Care through New York State or County Department of Social Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, or Office of Children and Family Assistance  Live with foster parents who do not provide support for college, and natural parents provide no such support  Student is ward of the state or county.

11. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Documents Needed for Income Verification  1040  FAFSA  Individual campus based forms  IRS letter 1722  Benefit Verification Forms  Documentation of Child Support

12. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Transfer Students are Eligible if:  They have been enrolled in EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) or a similar academic and financial support program at their previous college, and space is available at the school of their choice.

13. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 Questions?  For more information, please visit: http://www.suny.edu/Student/academic_eop.cfm or contact campuses directly. http://www.suny.edu/Student/academic_eop.cfm

14. The State University of New York www.suny.edu/student Operation Inform 06 * The State University of New York, Office of Opportunity Programs is responsible for the administration, management, and supervision of all SUNY Educational Opportunity Programs. All policy questions and regulations pursuant to the program operation should be directed to the Office of Opportunity Programs at (518) 443-5369