SUNY Delhi Welcomes Incoming Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Class for Summer Orientation
SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program Provides Students with Academic and Financial Resources to Help Them Succeed
Delhi, NY (07/27/2026) — SUNY Delhi today welcomed its incoming class of Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students to campus for summer orientation. The EOP summer orientation program gives incoming students the benefit of a residential college experience before starting their classes for the fall semester. At SUNY Delhi, 75 incoming EOP students are participating in the summer orientation program this year.
SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program provides affordable excellence and comprehensive support to help students from low-income backgrounds who did not receive sufficient academic preparation in K-12 - many of whom are the first in their families to go to college - succeed in earning a degree.
The EOP program on the SUNY Delhi campus is made possible in part by the historic $10.7 million increase in EOP funding in the fiscal year 2026-2027 State budget, thanks to the strong support and commitment by Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
"EOP opens doors for talented students and gives them the support, community, and opportunities they need to succeed in college and beyond," said SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff. "This summer orientation experience helps students build confidence, form connections, and become part of the SUNY Delhi community before the fall semester begins. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and State legislators for their steadfast commitment to advancing higher education opportunities for students at SUNY Delhi and at campuses across New York State. EOP is a proven program to advance student success and upward mobility."
"For nearly 60 years, SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program has supported tens of thousands of students, helping them move forward on a path to upward mobility and success," said SUNY Chancellor King. "The program has made higher education more accessible for students throughout New York State and opened doors for meaningful and successful careers. We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, the State Legislature, and for the SUNY Board of Trustees for their continued investment in empowering EOP students and supporting their efforts to unleash their full potential."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program has a proven track record of supporting students to thrive on campus and be ready to succeed after graduation. Through the strong support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, SUNY EOP will be able to provide support for more students as they work to pursue their dreams."
Since 2022, SUNY EOP enrollment has increased by 21 percent, reflecting continued demand for the program and the confidence students and families place in its supports. In its 59-year history, EOP has graduated nearly 90,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access program. There are more than 9,000 EOP students throughout the SUNY System, 189 of whom are enrolled at SUNY Delhi. Based on the most recent available data from the 2021 cohort, SUNY Delhi's EOP students achieved graduation rates of 55.6% after three years and 66.7% after four years. These outcomes exceeded the national average for associate degree programs by 20% after three years and 31% after four years, highlighting the effectiveness of Delhi's EOP's academic, financial, and support services in helping students reach graduation.
EOP enrollment is open to all students who meet the program's longstanding academic and financial need requirements.
"EOP has shown me that with the right support, determination, and willingness to grow, you can overcome any obstacle," said Khadijat Oladejo, SUNY Delhi's EOP Ambassador. "My biggest piece of advice is to always give your best, even when things get tough, because every challenge is a chance to grow. Take advantage of every opportunity, get involved, ask questions, and step outside your comfort zone. Stay passionate, remember your purpose, don't be afraid to take risks or fail because that's where growth happens, and always believe in yourself. Welcome to the EOP family, Class of 2030!"
To learn more about SUNY EOP at SUNY Delhi, visit www.delhi.edu/eop or contact Gabriella Vasta, Director of Access and Opportunity Programs, at 607-746-4597 or eop@delhi.edu.
