SUNY Potsdam

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Potsdam Welcomes 56th Cohort of Educational Opportunity Program Students for Summer Orientation

SUNY Potsdam Conducts Comprehensive EOP Orientation Session During Summer

Potsdam, NY (07/18/2025) — SUNY Potsdam is hosting 21 new incoming students in SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) as part of a four-week summer program.

"SUNY Potsdam is proud to welcome its 56th cohort of students for the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program to campus, continuing a legacy that began in 1969 when the College joined SUNY's statewide effort to expand access to higher education. Over the next four weeks, students will take part in a rigorous summer program designed to ease their transition into college life -- living on campus, attending classes and workshops, and forming lasting bonds with their peers, staff, and faculty," said program Director Diana Valdez '17 & '25.

SUNY Potsdam's EOP Summer Program gives the participating new first-year and transfer students a sneak peek of college life to start their academic journey. Participants live in the residence halls, attend college-level classes, and engage in team-building and recreational activities, all while building a strong support network.

"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."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "Investing in EOP today is an investment in New York's long-term success. We applaud Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislative leaders for working with SUNY to help empower more students through our EOP program. SUNY will continue to help uplift all New York students, and with successful programs like EOP, we look forward to more students thriving in school and beyond."

There are 55 participating campuses with EOP programs throughout the SUNY system. During the summer months, participating campuses conduct special orientation programs, so EOP students have the benefit of a residential college experience before joining their class for the fall semester. Last year, SUNY's EOP enrollment was more than 8,250 students.

"EOP students bring incredible resilience, drive and perspective to our campus. Many are the first in their families to attend college, and their stories reflect a wide range of lived experiences that enrich the SUNY Potsdam community. Their presence here is not only a reflection of their potential -- but also of what becomes possible when access and support are prioritized," Valdez said. "Eligibility for EOP is based on a student's academic promise and financial need, as defined by New York State. But beyond the numbers, each EOP student is a reminder that higher education can and should be a place where every student has the chance to grow, belong and succeed. SUNY Potsdam remains committed to supporting our EOP students from orientation through graduation, helping them to reach their goals and pave the way for those who come after them."

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. In its 58-year history, the EOP has served nearly 90,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access programs. EOP eligibility is based on income and academic readiness.

SUNY's EOP Scholars Program is designed to support students participating in EOP as they transition to graduate and professional education and high-demand careers. In 2021, SUNY launched the pre-medical Educational Opportunity Program, providing EOP students with additional support and mentoring towards their path to medical school.

Last year, due to historic increases in New York State's funding of SUNY and higher education, SUNY expanded this program to include pre-engineering and pre-law. In the coming year, SUNY will expand these efforts in two new pre-professional career areas with persistent shortages: teaching and nursing. Additional enhancements include:

  • The creation of the EOP Career Development Internship Program, through which 50 EOP students are completing paid internships at New York State agencies though the end of 2025.
  • Through a partnership with Kaplan, SUNY is now offering free access to comprehensive test preparation resources over the next three years, including practice tests, for graduate-level admissions exams and professional licensure exams.

To learn more about EOP at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/eop.

For additional information about SUNY EOP, please visit www.suny.edu/attend/academics/eop.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

###

Media Attachments

Students in the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program complete the EOP Summer Program at SUNY Potsdam.

SUNY Potsdam's EOP Summer Program includes for-credit classes and enrichment activities like paddling on the Raquette River.

SUNY Potsdam is hosting 21 new incoming students in SUNY’s Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) as part of a four-week summer program.

SUNY Potsdam’s EOP Summer Program gives participating new first-year and transfer students a sneak peek of college life to start their academic journey.

Students canoe on the Raquette River at Lehman Park as part of SUNY Potsdam's EOP Summer Program.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out