The Empire Promise Program offers new students (or students new to SUNY Empire) enhanced academic support services and mentoring/coaching. The program does not require students to submit an extra application; instead, eligible students are invited to join and can opt-in to benefit from the program’s supports.
All of Empire State University’s opportunity programs focus on building student supports, which Senior Director of Enrichment and Opportunity Programs Dana Brown believes is the most critical component of a successful opportunity program.
“If you provide someone with support, encouragement, a network, a village – that’s what gets them to persist,” Brown said. “I want to change the culture of higher education, because too much emphasis is put on students knowing how to navigate. Opportunity programs help students stay connected so they feel grounded at SUNY Empire.”
Students who are new to SUNY Empire and come from underserved backgrounds — including, but not limited to, those from low-income communities (such as Pell-eligible undergraduates), individuals with foster care experience, have earned fewer than 50 credits (including first-time students), and/or returning students in need of academic support.
