Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Jefferson Community College's Educational Opportunity Program serves as a primary vehicle for increasing access to college, student retention and degree completion to underserved students. We are committed to providing timely access to academic, personal and social support services.
Mission
The EOP at SUNY Jefferson is here to help prepare you for a successful future. We will be helping you identify your strengths and learn to overcome the ups and downs of college. EOP was created to identify students who could succeed at the university/college level but may struggle to meet the financial demand. EOP is designed to help break down the barriers to higher education and teach you the ability to advocate for yourself and change your community.
Eligibility
Are you a student that:
- Has a desire to succeed?
- Is the first in your family to go to college?
- Has determination and passion?
- Sees a bright future for yourself?
EOP may be for you! We have limited seats so submit your application today!
You should apply if you are a:
- First time college student
- Have a GPA of 70% or higher
- In need of financial assistance
- US citizen of permanent resident
Are you a transfer student?
Applicants entering Jefferson who previously attended another institution are eligible for EOP only if they are residents of New York State and have been enrolled in a similar post-secondary opportunity program such as EOP, HEOP, SEEK, or College Discovery.
Benefits
EOP provides year round academic support and significant financial aid support. Other benefits of being an EOP Students are:
- Personal Counseling
- Financial Advisement and Assistance
- Summer Institute – a pre-freshman instructional program
- Structured programming throughout your college career
- Tutoring based on need and courses
- Supplemental Aid i.e.: books, classroom items and more
Apply to EOP
Complete and submit Jefferson Community College application online and answer the appropriate questions to indicate interest in EOP.
Receive confirmation from EOP that your application has been completed. Interviews (in-person or by phone) are required. The interview gives you an opportunity to learn more about EOP and have all of your questions answered.
Receive an acceptance letter from EOP and prepare for the Summer Institute.
EOP Resources
Q: Does the EOP Office provide disability related IEP Accommodations?
A: No. EOP and Disabilities Accommodations work together but are separate services. Information on disability services at the college may be found by calling 315-786-2288.
Q: Is EOP a financial aid program?
A: EOP is more than a financial aid program. It is a program that emphasizes the totality of the student experience: financial, social, emotional, educational and success.
Q: Does EOP pay tuition and housing?
A: Not primarily. Although most students who receive EOP support do receive an additional direct aid grant, other support services from EOP are emphasized.
Q: Where can I get more information about the financial aid at Jefferson?
A: Call 315-786-2350 or visit our enrollment services office.
Q: What kind of income documentation is needed for EOP admission?
A: EOP applicants are required to provide the Financial Aid Office with documentation of family income to verify economic eligibility for admission to the program. We must receive proof of all income, including non-taxable income. All income documents must state the total received for the year. The following documentation may be required depending on the family's source(s) of income:
| Document:empty | We will need: |
|---|---|
| Taxable Income | $4, Copies of completed IRS Forms 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ with signatures, and W-2 forms. If family income is mostly from non-taxable sources, and income tax forms are not filed, we need proof of non-filing, obtained by filing form 4506-T with the IRS. |
| Unemployment | 1099-G or equivalent statement |
| Nontaxable Income | |
| Social Services | Benefit statement from all County Department(s) of Social Services from which cash assistance was received |
| Social Security or SSI | Form 1099 or statement from Social Security Administration of the Federal Government |
| Worker's Compensation | Statement from appropriate agency Pensions, and/or or insurance company or VA non-educational benefits |
| Child Support | Statement from County Child Support Collection Unit or copy of court document |
Applying for EOP as a first-time student
To be eligible for EOP you must:
- Be a first time college student
- Be a New York State resident.
- Complete and file an application for admission to Jefferson
- Apply for financial aid by filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and Express TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) Applications.
- Register as a full-time student (12 or more credits).
- Meet academic and income guidelines (see below)
- Show evidence of historical educational and financial disadvantage.
- Demonstrate potential to be academically successful with EOP support.
- Complete application and income verification.
Income guidelines
The table below lists financial eligibility requirements for EOP admission for students entering the 2019-20 academic year. Any subsequent changes to these guidelines will be posted here. 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.
|
Household Size (including head of household) (inempty |
Total Annual Income in 2016 Calendar Year |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,459 |
| 2 | $30,451 |
| 3 | $38,443 |
| 4 | $46,435 |
| 5 | $54,427 |
| 6 | $62,419 |
| 7 | $70,411 |
| 8 | $78,403* |
Exceptions to Income Guidelines
- 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 court or county.
Transfer applicants:
- Were previously enrolled in EOP, HEOP, SEEK or College Discovery
OR - Attended a college/university that did not provide opportunities programming
Returning students:
Students previously enrolled in EOP at Jefferson who have been removed from the program may petition to be reinstated. An EOP dismissal statement and interview will be required for consideration.
May 1st for the Fall Semester
October 1st for the Spring Semester
Contact
Deans Collaborative Learning Center
Building 15, First Floor
(315) 786-2288
studentsuccess@sunyjefferson.edu
Rebecca Small-Kellogg
Dean of Student Success
bsmall-kellogg@sunyjefferson.edu
Abigail Bryant
EOP Coordinator
abryant@sunyjefferson.edu
Jennifer Ambrose
EOP Retention Specialist
Jambrose1@sunyjefferson.edu
Julian Mangano
EOP Retention Specialist
jmangano@sunyjefferson.edu