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
- Mentorship and coaching
- Early degree planning
- Financial assistance
- Loaner laptops and other resources
- Support with housing, food, and other basic needs
An Opportunity for Every Student
Creating More Pathways to Success
We’re here to help you succeed with extra support designed for students who’ve faced more barriers on their way to college. These programs can give you the boost you need to reach your goals:
- The Presidential Scholars Program: Offers added resources for students who’ve had fewer opportunities to access college.
- The Educational Opportunity Program: Provides support for those who face financial challenges.
Keeping NY Strong
Some Opportunity Programs are designed to help nurture New York’s future workforce, including:
- The Fortified Classroom Program: Provides tailored support to students from New York City
- My Brother’s Keeper Program: Empowers future NY-based teachers
Opening Doors to Education
Explore programs custom-built to break down barriers to education, including:
- The Empire Promise Program: Offers mentoring for new students
- The Military Veteran Opportunity Program: Ensures military members and their families get access to expanded educational services
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
Overcoming Obstacles Together
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:
- Submit a high school diploma or equivalency
- Demonstrate economic need
- Complete a FAFSA application
- EOP applicants must have been enrolled in EOP, CD/SEEK, HEOP, or a similar program at a previous college
