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Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Arthur Eve

Arthur O. Eve
Member of the New York State Assembly (1967–2003) and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly (1979–2003) representing districts in Buffalo, New York



 

HEOP Eligibility Criteria

Student Eligibility

 Institutional Eligibility

  • Competitive grants are awarded to independent non-public institutions of higher education incorporated by the New York State legislature or chartered by the Board of Regents and offering two- or four-year degree programs registered with and approved by the Board of Regents.
  • Programs must serve matriculated students who are working toward a degree.
  • Students shall be selected without regard to age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation.
Colleges and universities participating in HEOP receive funds from New York State through the New York State Education Department and are administered by the participating HEOP colleges themselves.  Applications and inquiries regarding eligibility and financial aid need must be made directly at the college level. HEOP is not a scholarship given to individual students, but a grant awarded to selected independent non-public colleges and universities.
HEOP Request for Proposal Information, NYS Education Commissioner's Rules & Regulations, Fiscal Guidelines, and NYS Education Law § 6451 & § 6452

2024-2029 HEOP RFP Materials

* We are not able to talk about the RFP during this period. Please submit any questions re: 2024-2029 HEOP RFP via email to RFPGC24-001@nysed.gov with the words RFP GC#24- 001 in the subject line by September 8, 2023.

2019-2024 HEOP RFP Materials


Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of The State of New York


HEOP Fiscal Guidelines


New York Consolidated Laws, Education Law § 6451 & § 6452 

Information on SUNY Educational Opportunity Program and CUNY Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge & College Discovery
HEOP Professional Organization
Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act

For more information on the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/

HEOP Mission

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides a broad range of services to New York State residents who, because of educational and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend a postsecondary educational institution. Each HEOP institution must ensure that HEOP students are provided with sufficient academic support services, tuition assistance, supplemental financial assistance, and full need packaging to enable them to successfully complete the institutional components required for graduation.

HEOP Objectives

  • Provide access to postsecondary education to eligible students
  • Identify, evaluate, and recruit eligible students and enable them to complete a higher education experience
  • Improve the retention and graduation rates of disadvantaged students 

HEOP Services

  • Provides funds to assist in the screening and testing of prospective students
  • Provides structured academic support services including a pre-entry summer program, counseling, tutoring, and remedial/developmental coursework
  • Provides supplemental financial and tuition assistance toward their college expenses

HEOP addresses students needs by

  • Introducing students to college expectations via a pre-entry summer program.
  • Offering academic, career, financial, and career counseling.
  • Providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring.
  • Offering remedial, developmental, and support services .

Contact Information:

New York State Education Department
Office of Postsecondary Access, Support, and Success
Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program
89 Washington Avenue, EBA 960
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3719
cdpu@nysed.gov

*Please note, HEOP is not a scholarship given to individual students, but a grant awarded to selected independent colleges and universities.  Students cannot apply to HEOP through NYSED's website.  Students who are interested in HEOP must directly contact participating HEOP colleges & universities for the college and/or university's application information. Please see the HEOP directory for participating college & university's contact information. Students interested in EOP should visit SUNY's website for more information.  Students interested in SEEK/CD should visit CUNY's website for more information.


Student Testimonials

Danangelowe Spencer

Mount Saint Mary College • Class of 2017

Major: Communication & Media Studies - TV Production; Minor: Art, Film Studies
 
Hometown: Hempstead, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received:  Lambda Pi Eta: National Communication Association Honor Society, Ralph Scholar, Elite Knight Trends (E.K.T): Vice President, Mount Media: Executive Producer & Director, Leadership Council Representative, Mount Messenger, Academic Council, Black Student Union, Essence of Poetry, Latino Student Union (L.S.U)
 
The Higher Educational Opportunity Program is an opportunity for individuals with academic potential to act on their potential. It is a chance to mold oneself into better individuals academically, personally and mentally. HEOP is also a resource and guide for students to pursue a higher education who would otherwise not be able to.

 

Rachel Alwardt

Cazenovia College • Class of 2019

Major: Interior Design 

Minor: Business

Hometown: LeRoy, NY

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Interior Design Club

HEOP means hope for me to meet my success as a young learner. It has helped me with being eligible to attend my first-choice college, and it feels like a family. Thanks to HEOP, I feel like I am home.


 

Kevin Herrera

Hamilton College • Class of 2016

Major: Theatre and Geoscience

Hometown: Jackson Heights, NY

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Tropical Sol Dance group, Hogwarts at Hamilton President, RA, Event Staff Manager, Untitled at Large President, Edwin Barrett Theatre Prize, Karen Williams Theatre Prize

I would not have come to Hamilton if it weren’t for HEOP. I knew that I would have a support network and people who would have my back no matter what. I’ve been blessed to have people who care for me and push me to do my best, and I wouldn’t feel that if not for HEOP.


 

James White

D’Youville College • Class of 2016

Major: Business Management
 
Minor: Pre-Law
 
Hometown: Lyndonville, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Intern with NYS Senator Timothy M. Kennedy; President of DYC Student Management Association; Treasurer of DYC Student Government; Senator of DYC Student Government; Founder of DYC Student Democrats; Recipient of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Medal of Honor (awarded to one outstanding junior for their service); 2012 AMCC Academic All- Conference; Dean’s List; Lambda Sigma National Honor Society
 
HEOP has provided me with the opportunity to get a great education at a great institution. However, this single opportunity blossomed into many more opportunities. These other opportunities include leadership roles in different clubs and organizations  on campus as well as the opportunity to form a relationship with Senator Tim Kennedy, who has been a mentor and friend to me for many months. All of these great opportunities, friendships and memories that DYC has provided me would not have been possible without HEOP I would not have attended DYC if it wasn’t for HEOP the cost would have been too much of a burden. With all of this being said, HEOP means everything to me.

 

Anna Do

Hamilton College • Class of 2018

Major: Psychology; Minor: Creative Writing
 
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Oral Communication Center tutor, ASB leader, HEAT dance group, Adam Gordon Poetry Prize winner
 
HEOP means an accepting community that will always support you. The staff and students will stand by you through the good and the bad.

 

Brandi Mapson

St. Bonaventure University • Class of 2016

Major: Sociology
 
Hometown: Bronx, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Secretary of BSU, Secretary of Chi Alpha Epsilon , Member of LASO, Internship Spotlight Award Winner, HEOP Student of the Month
 
My experience at St. Bonaventure University has definitely been memorable, especially with the help of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program. Attending a college so far away from home has its downfalls especially when one goes through family issues. There were many times throughout my years here when I would have constant problems back at home, but because of the HEOP staff supporting me through everything, I was able to get through it. Even when I struggled with certain classes freshman year, I always had a positive support system from the staff. They were constantly reminding me I can achieve anything. There are also so many resources that HEOP offers such as tutoring which has benefited me in so many ways. Being in this program has opened so many doors for me. An example of these opportunities includes being able to attend Advocacy day and attending NCORE in Washington D.C. Over the past 4 years with the help of HEOP I have definitely learned a lot about myself and have had a lot of much needed personal growth.

 

Andy Wu

Syracuse University • Class of 2016

Major: Computer Science
 
Hometown: Woodhaven, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: Member of SASE and Deans List: Fall 2014 – Spring 2015
 
HEOP is a program that helps facilitate my learning through the use of tutors and their support staff. I would not know where I would be without the support and help from my counselor. HEOP gave me the opportunity to attend SyracuseUniversity, while normally, I would not be able to.

 

Bibi Awal

Syracuse University • Class of 2016

Major: Accounting/CPA, Whitman School of Management; Minor: Information Management & Technology
 
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Community Service Coordinator. 2013 NABA Most Outstanding community Service Award, 2013 NABA Most Outstanding Member Award, Deloitte’s First Annual Northeast Leadership Workshop, Literacy Corps Teacher Assistant/Tutor, Northside Learning Center, Assistant Student Manager, Syracuse University Food Services, Dean’s Lists
 
HEOP helped me tremendously to have the opportunities I do at Syracuse University I am someone who had big dreams but not big money. I have accomplished so much and I couldn’t do it without HEOP support. I have hopes for the kids of the future (including my younger sister) to go above and beyond with the help of HEOP.

 

Katherine Arredondo

St. Bonaventure University • Class of 2016

Major: B.S. in Sport Studies with a concentration in Human Development and Learning
 
Hometown: Long Island, NY
 
Clubs, Organizations, Leadership Roles and Awards Received: SBU Women’s Rugby Club, Liaison for the Physical Activity Club, Chi Alpha Epsilon, Alpha Pi Omega, Competitive Edge Certificate Program, HEOP Summer Challenge Peer Leader, Peer Coach, NYS AHPERD Conference (Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) presenter
 
I was given the opportunity to not only receive a private college education, but to become a well-rounded professional under the structure of HEOP. This program has done more than support the financial aspect of my higher education, but has provided a model of student support that I have now come to view as my potential career. This program made me believe in myself and see my potential. I have taken full advantage of my opportunity here at St. Bonaventure University to not only receive a four year degree, but leave the school with the skills needed to continue my education at the graduate level.