Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
What is the Educational Opportunity Program?
The mission of the EOP is to provide access, retain and graduate first generation college students who have the potential to succeed despite minimal preparation and limited resources. Offered primarily to full-time students who are New York State residents, the EOP accepts students who qualify, academically and financially for the program.
Pre-Freshman Summer Program for Incoming EOP Students
All incoming freshmen students must attend our four-week, Pre-Freshman Summer Program that begins in late July and ends in August.
The EOP Pre-Freshman Summer Program is designed to facilitate the students’ transition to life at SUNY Westchester Community College. Students are also prepared for their academic studies. Classes in Math, English and College Preparatory/Life Skills. Workshops on various topics and information sessions will be offered on mental health and wellness, civic responsibilities, tutoring, technology, financial aid, time management, career development, etcetera. This program is free. Tuition, fees, transportation, meals, books and supplies are fully funded by SUNY EOP and Westchester Community College.
Note: Successful completion of the four-week Pre-Freshman Summer Program is required for students to be officially enrolled in the Educational Opportunity Program at Westchester Community College in the following semester.
Eligibility
The following information will assist you in determining if you should apply to the Educational Opportunity Program. The EOP is designed for students who need individualized academic support and supplemental financial assistance. Eligible candidates will be asked to complete additional application materials and forms. Additional application materials and forms must be completed promptly and returned as directed.
To be eligible for admission to the EOP candidates must be:
- Be U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents (bearing a “green card”) or non-U.S.citizens qualifying under the Senator JosePeralta N.Y.S DREAM Act
- Be New York State residents for 12 months prior to enrollment
- Be high school graduates or have a General Equivalency Diploma
- Be eligible for admission under traditional standards, and demonstrate potential for completing a college program
- Be entering their first semester of college
- Be full-time students (minimum of 12 credits)
- Be enrolled or placed in at least one non-credit course.
- Within the legislated income guidelines
- Be Enrolled in an Opportunity Program at your previous college (Transfer Students)
- Not be accepted into another Opportunity Program at Westchester Community College (TRIO & Viking Roads)
- Successfully complete the four-week EOP Pre-Freshman Summer Program
In selecting students for the program, priority is given to candidates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. In order to be determined economically disadvantaged, a student’s household income must not exceed the amount shown for its size or the student’s circumstances must conform to one of the exceptions indicated.
Economic Eligibility Guidelines Academic Year 2024-2025
| Household Size (including head of household) | Total Annual Income in 2022 Calendar Year |
| 1 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $45,991 |
| 4 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $65,009 |
| 6 | $74,518 |
| 7 | $84,027 |
| 8 | $93,536* |
| *For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $9,509 for each additional person. | |
INCOME GUIDELINES DO NOT APPLY IF:
- The student’s family is the recipient of Family Assistance or Safety Net payments through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; or through a county Department of Social Services; or Family Day Care payments through the New York State Office of Children and Family Assistance;
- The student is in foster care as established by the court
- The student is a ward of the state or county.
Forms & Downloads
Required Documentation
As part of the EOP admission process, your high school record, income information, and placement test scores (if needed) will be reviewed, as well as information which may have an impact on your education. This information will help EOP counselors evaluate your potential for success in a college program.
In order to determine if a student qualifies for acceptance in the EOP, copies of the following documents must be submitted:
- High school transcript
- College transcript (transfer students)
- High school diploma or GED
- Copies of most recent tax returns and W2’s
- Copies of parent’s most recent tax returns and W2’s (dependent students)
- Copies of Budget sheets (students on P.A.)
Potential EOP candidates should contact Mr. Quinones at (914) 606-6688 or (929) 352-0067 or Alfredo.Quinones@sunywcc.edu. To make an appointment to meet with Dr. Gwendolyn Roundtree email at Gwendolyn.RoundtreeEvans@sunywcc.edu
Support Services
Educational Opportunity Program students will receive support services, such as academic, career, personal counseling, and one-on-one tutoring. As part of a student’s overall financial aid package, the Educational Opportunity Program provides a stipend in the form of direct aid which can assist with purchasing books, supplies, and transportation costs.
Application Fee Waiver
The $50 Westchester Community College application fee is waived for those eligible for admission to the EOP. Before applying to Westchester Community College, please contact Mr. Alfred Quinones, Administrative Assistant, Alfred.Quinones@sunywcc.edu
Transfers
You are eligible for EOP as a transfer student provided you have been enrolled in EOP, College Discovery, HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program), SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) or a similar academic and financial support program at your previous institution. If your previous institution did not have EOP or a similar program, you may be considered for transfer eligibility. Upon graduating from the EOP, you are eligible to apply to a four-year college/university opportunity program and your application fee may be waived.
General EOP Questions?
Drop in to see us or E-mail us.
Contact Information
Dr. Gwendolyn Roundtree Evans
EOP Director
(914) 606-6581
The Gateway Center, Office G132
Gwen.Roundtree@sunywcc.edu
Alfred Quinn Quinones
EOP Administrative Assistant
(914) 606-6688 or (929) 352-0067 (Phone)
(914) 606-5629 (FAX)
The Gateway Center, Reception Area
alfred.quinones@sunywcc.edu