The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) has created three new initiatives to ensure program student success.
A book loan program will allow staff to purchase text books to lend to students in the event they are short of funding due to late filing of the FAFSA, or if books are lost or stolen.
The EOP Scholar’s Institute will include bi-weekly academic workshops open to all EOP students, however attendance is mandatory for students who are on academic probation. Workshop topics will focus on:
- writing skills
- math skills
- student and testing skills
- time management and organizational skills
- financial planning
- career development
- preparing for transfer opportunities.
A peer mentoring component will also be added that will recruit high achieving program students to serve as mentors to freshman students and/or students who are struggling academically. The peer mentors will receive a stipend and will be responsible for the following:
- ensuring mentees are attending workshops
- assist in peer tutoring and encourage participation with professional tutorial services
- refer mentees to additional campus academic services
- assist in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
Director of Student Life Alfredo Balarin said funding for the new initiatives was authorized by SUNY to use carry-over funds from the 2018-19 academic year. SUNY supports request for new initiatives, as opposed to sending the money back, which often results in redistribution of funding to other community college programs.
“This is a great opportunity to offer our students the additional support services they need to meet the demands of collegiate expectations, engage in campus life, and be better prepared to continue their education at the four-year level or to begin their careers,” Balarin said.
EOP is a state-funded program that provides academic support services and financial aid for students considered “at-risk” due to various extenuating socio-economic circumstances that may hinder their educational pursuits.
For more information, please call (518) 629-7348.
Published: Tue, 18 Feb 2020 13:05:56 +0000 by l.coplin