Educational Opportunity Program Essay

The State University of New York Educational Opportunity Program was created by the state of New York in order to provide access, academic support and financial aid to students who may not otherwise be admitted to state graduate programs. This program falls under state university guidelines within the state government so there are specific enrollment rules such as the necessity of being a New York State resident at the time of application. The website for the program is http://www.suny. edu/Student/academic_eop. cfm. Mission The mission of the State University of New York Educational Opportunity Program is to provide access to graduate level education. This program focuses on students who show promise within their chosen field but who may not have access to a graduate education. The EOP program carefully considers all applicants but gives preference to students who are ineligible for enrollment under standard guidelines and/or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Further, the program is designed to support students financially and academically in order to give them an opportunity to complete a higher education degree while also providing the support necessary to live up to their full potential. Resources The most important resource that the State University of New York Educational Opportunity Program provides is a graduate level education. Students who are part of the program receive support services including academic, career and personal counseling services as well as tutoring and additional instruction if necessary. The EOP program also provides financial aid for non tuition related expenses such as books and school supplies. However, the most important resource that the program offers is the monetary aid necessary to enroll in and complete a graduate level course of study. Good and Services While the State University New York Educational Opportunity Program does not provide tangible goods it does provide essential services to its more than ten thousand current students as well as its over fifty thousand alumni. The purpose of the services offered is to provide the tools necessary for economically or racially disadvantaged students to complete graduate level courses of study. These services help these students overcome the educational challenges they face in order to obtain higher education and go on to live successful and productive lives. To this end, the EOP program is customized to meet the academic, career and personal needs of all students through a variety of counseling programs. Further, the services offered are designed in such a way so that students receive the support necessary to complete their degree even when facing enormous struggles. Former students report feeling as if their support mentors enabled them to believe in themselves and to never give up on their educational dreams. Conclusion I chose this program because it is a very important part of the educational success of many disadvantaged students. I believe that all people should have access to higher education but this is not always the reality. Many students face such enormous struggles that they never receive a graduate level degree. This program has enabled many students to realize their dreams of an education through financial, career, academic and personal support. References DiNapoli, Thomas P. (2007). State University of New York Educational Opportunity Program. Division of State Government Accountability. Retrieved on April 21, 2009 from http://osc. state. ny. us/audits/allaudits/093008/07s99. pdf. Henehan, David. (2007). SUNY Educational Opportunity Program celebrates 40 years. The State University of New York. Retrieved on April 21, 2009 from https://www. suny. edu/SUNYNews/News. cfm? PrintFlag=Y&filname=2007-11-02+final+online+EOP+turns+40+II. htm. The State University of New York. (2009). Educational opportunity program. Retrieved on April 21, 2009 from http://www. suny. edu/Student/academic_eop. cfm.