The State University of New York's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8
SUNY Celebrates Success of its Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) First-Generation College Students
The State University of New York’s Office of Opportunity Programs joined a nationwide celebration of first-generation college students organized by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-generation Student Success. SUNY spotlighted the success of thousands of first-generation students and alumni who were admitted to a SUNY college through its highly successful Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
SUNY EOP First-Gen Student Voices
“I am proud to be in college because it opened a whole new world of opportunities.”
Karina Balbuena, University of Buffalo
“Going to college was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. College will lead me to financial stability.”
Julie Garcia, Dutchess Community College
“College has allowed me to be someone I have always wanted to be. A person who is free.”
Samara Todd, SUNY Oswego
EOP serves a racially diverse population of low-income, primarily first-gen students who possess academic promise, but whose life circumstances have not permitted them to reach their full potential. Nearly 11,000 students participate in the program on 48 of SUNY’s 64 campuses. 72 percent of EOP students enrolled in a four-year institution complete a bachelor’s degree within six years, exceeding the rate achieved by national public institutions overall.