Opportunity Programs

At SUNY Empire, we believe everyone deserves a real shot at success. That’s why our Opportunity Programs are here—to support people who’ve faced more challenges getting to college. You’ll get personal guidance, academic support, financial assistance, and opportunities to grow. We’ll help you move past obstacles and stay on track toward your goals.

Benefits of Opportunity Programs

  • Enhanced academic support
  • One-on-one mentorship and success coaching
  • Early and comprehensive degree planning
  • Support for accessibility and basic needs services
  • Year-round enrichment activities and programming
  • Financial assistance (based upon review for EOP, ESOP, Presidential Scholars and TOC programs)
  • Early access to laptops and other learning tools
  • Dedicated community space for Opportunity Program students

There are 8 Opportunity Programs Available

Student at a laptop

Empire Promise Program (EPP)

Offers mentoring for new students.
Military aligned student

Military Veteran Opportunity Program (MVOP)

Ensures military members and their families get access to expanded educational services.
Student at a laptop

Presidential Scholars (PSOP)

Offers added resources for students who’ve had fewer opportunities to access college.
Two students working together

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

Provides support for those who face financial challenges.
Student at a computer

Empire State Opportunity Program (ESOP)

Gives financial assistance to students who may not have had the same access to higher education.
Student at a laptop

Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI)

Designed to support you if you’re in foster care or a ward of the court.
Student studying with laptop computer

Fortified Classroom (FC)

Provides tailored support to students from New York City.
Adult and child working together

My Brother's Keeper: Teacher Opportunity Corps II (TOC)

Empowers future NY-based teachers.

 

Opportunities for Foster Youth

The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) is a state-funded program designed to support you if you’re in foster care or a ward of the court. It offers academic support and financial aid to help you enroll in, pay for, and complete college successfully.

Apply if you:

  • Are a New York State resident
  • Meet the federal Higher Education Act definition of a foster youth or orphan
  • Have spent time in foster care after your 13th birthday
  • Were adopted from foster care after your 13th birthday
  • Are living with a relative or kin under a kinship guardianship foster care agreement
Apply for the Foster Youth Program

Overcoming Obstacles Together

Kiearra Edwards
If I am honest, attending school online has a completely different vibe from what I am used to. And just like anyone else, I faced my fair share of obstacles, but with the help of the OP team and staff alike, I was able to overcome those obstacles to keep on moving towards my goal.
Kiearra Edwards
Educational Opportunity Program Student

Program Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

All Opportunity Programs are open to students accepted through general admission and entering their first term at SUNY Empire. Additionally, you must:

  • Meet financial eligibility requirements for your desired program
  • Complete an interview
  • For EOP and ESOP programs, you must have been a New York state resident for the past 12 months

Application Requirements

To apply you must be a first-time freshman, who intends to study full time. In addition, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Submit a high school diploma or equivalency
  • Demonstrate economic need
  • Complete a FAFSA application
EOP Transfer Student
EOP transfer students must have been enrolled in EOP, CD/Seek, or HEOP at a previous college. Previous enrollment will be verified during the application process.

Take the First Step

SUNY Empire Logo
Reach out today for more information on Opportunity Programs!
1-800-847-3000 ext. 2204
opapply@sunyempire.edu