SUNY Poly Highlights the Impact of EOP on Student Success

SUNY Polytechnic Institute recently celebrated the continued growth and impact of its Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which has expanded by 60 percent since 2019 and continues to support student success across campus.  

The milestone was recognized during a campus visit from State University of New York Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Opportunity Programs, and Student Advocate Cheryl Hamilton as part of EOP Week of Service, an annual initiative focused on leadership, service, and community engagement.  

Since its founding in 1967, SUNY’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program has helped provide access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation college students. Today, the statewide program serves more than 9,000 students across 55 SUNY campuses.  

At SUNY Poly, the program’s growth reflects the university’s continued commitment to educational access and student achievement. Under the leadership of Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Opportunity Programs Melissa Prest, the EOP team has expanded services while continuing to provide individualized support for students.  

The university’s EOP team includes Prest, Senior Counselor and DEI Specialist Doneilous King, and newly hired Counselor Pamela Connolly, both of whom are SUNY EOP alumni. Connolly’s addition reflects the growing demand for student support services.  

This year’s EOP Week of Service also highlighted student leadership and community engagement through panel discussions and volunteer activities in the local community.  

Looking ahead, SUNY continues to expand investment in EOP through new workforce development initiatives designed to increase access to internships and applied learning experiences, helping students prepare for future careers and long-term success.