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Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY New Paltz kicks off Summer Enrichment Institute

Nearly 150 new enrollees from across New York State are arriving at SUNY New Paltz on Monday, July 7, 2025, for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Summer Enrichment Institute, an immersive three-week orientation designed to help students gain the skills, the connections and the community that will drive their success at our public university.

The Institute kicks off as SUNY Educational Opportunity Programs throughout the state welcome a new generation of students and families with a shared goal of transforming their lives through higher education.

“For nearly 60 years, EOP has created a path to upward mobility for students and their families—making college a reality to pursue their dream careers,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “This program, made possible thanks to the steadfast commitment of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, supports thousands of SUNY students each year, and empowers them to unleash their full potential.”

At New Paltz, the summer program is built around a “Ready, Set, Soar” preparedness model. Students will gain familiarity with the academic life of the University and build the connections with advisors and mentors who provide the bedrock supports of their EOP experience.

“The Summer Enrichment Institute is designed to help EOP students ease into university life and gain an early advantage in adapting to the college environment,” said Rita Celariste, director of the New Paltz EOP. “Across the three-week program, we aim to provide a variety of fun and instrumental components, from educational and networking activities with faculty and staff here on campus, to service learning and volunteer engagements in the broader community. Our committed team is excited to welcome the incoming class of 2025 to our EOP family, and we’re even more excited to have front-row seats to their growth and success in the years to come.”

Since its inception in 1967, SUNY’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program has provided access, academic support and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. EOP eligibility is based on income and academic readiness.

There are 55 participating campuses (out of 64 campuses total) with EOP programs throughout the SUNY system. In its 58-year history, SUNY’s EOP has served nearly 90,000 students and evolved into one of the country’s most successful college access programs.

Through continued support at the state level, the Educational Opportunity Program is stronger than ever, with recent enhancements including the creation of the EOP Career Development Internship Program and a new partnership with Kaplan to offer free test preparation resources to EOP students pursuing graduate-level admissions and professional licensure exams.

Learn more here about the Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY New Paltz.