Educational Opportunity Program

What is the Educational Opportunity Program?

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides services to talented students whose educational and economic circumstances may limit their college opportunities. EOP students receive services such as:

  • individual and academic counseling
  • educational and career planning
  • financial advisement
  • tutorial assistance and study skills classes
  • financial assistance, adjusted according to financial need

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission into the Educational Opportunity Program at Onondaga, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment;
  • Must be a first-semester student;
  • Must be educationally disadvantaged as determined by established EOP criteria;
  • Must demonstrate potential for completing a college program; and
  • Must be economically disadvantaged as determined by the state-established criteria for the Educational Opportunity Program as defined below.

A - Supported by one or more individuals whose combined total annual income is from Social Security or sources other than employment and which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category A" above.

B - Supported by one or more worker(s) whose combined total annual income does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category B" above.

C - For households supported by one worker with two or more employers, which does not exceed the applicable amount under "Category C" above.

Household Size

A
 

B
 

C
 

1

$16,060

 $21,630 $24,420

2

$21,630

 $27,200 $29,990

3

$27,210

 $32,780 $35,570

4

$32,790

 $38,360 $41,150

5

$38,360

 $43,930 $46,720

6

$43,960

 $49,530 $52,320

7

$49,500*

 $55,070* $57,860*

*Plus $5,570 for each additional family member in excess of seven.

How to Apply

There are several ways to apply to Onondaga Community College and the EOP Program. You may:

Be sure to check the space on the application form that indicates your desire to be considered for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).  

Application Deadlines

There are a limited number of openings in EOP, so start your application process early. The sooner you complete your OCC application and all other application requirements, the better your chance of being accepted. It takes several weeks for financial aid to be approved, so be sure to submit your forms at least three months before you plan to start college.

Application Requirements

Depending on your program, we require the following:

  • Your official high school transcript is required for application to any program. Call your school and have them send this to our Admissions Office.
  • Physical examination. You will be notified if this applies to you.
  • Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Form.
    Be sure to make copies of all of these forms before mailing. Once you have met the eligibility requirements you will receive an EOP application form
  • Complete and return the EOP application (.pdf), along with two letters of recommendation (.pdf) and proof of your household income for the preceding tax year.
    For example, if you are applying for admission in 2007-2008, you must provide proof of your household 2006 income (such as a copy of your income tax form). If you are a dependent student, you must provide proof of your parents' income.

If you have any questions about applying to EOP or if you need an EOP application and checklist, call our Educational Opportunity Program office.

Info Sessions

The following sessions will review the EOP admission process for applicants. (ie. Freshman, Transfers and Re-Admit students) These sessions will help families complete the admission process, learn of program services and student success outcomes.

Make you reservation today! For reservations, please contact 315-498-2428. All reservations should occur at least 48 hours prior to the date of attendance. The 2011 schedule for information session is as follows:

The EOP Director will conduct information sessions every Monday and Thursday in May (2nd, 5th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th, 23rd, 26th, 30th) and June (2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th, 30TH) from 3-5pm in the Whitney Building room 103. 

 

2013 Summer Institute (ESI)

The program is designed to allow EOP students the opportunity to improve their writing, reading, mathematic and study skills before the start of the fall 2013 semester. If you qualify for the Educational Opportunity Program, you may be eligible to take these courses during our summer program for free!
ESI offers class instruction, tutorial services, and academic and personal counseling. Additionally, books, public transportation and lunch are provided for free. In turn, students are expected to participate in all classes and student enrichment programs to maintain program eligibility.
This program will be in session starting July 8, 2013 and will run Monday through Friday until course completion. Supplemental clinics will be offered on the weekend based on academic progress or instructor referral. The weekly schedule is as follows:
 

Summer Institute Schedule
  • Classes (Monday-Friday) 8:00am- 11:50am 
  • Lunch (Monday-Friday) 12:00pm-12:45pm
  • Student Enrichment Programs (Monday-Friday) 12:50pm-4:00pm 

 

 

Achiever’s Academy (Saturdays) Based on Faculty Referral Only.  To be considered for the program, you must first complete the standard college and EOP admissions before completing the Summer Institute Application.

Contact

Educational Opportunity Program
Gordon Student Center, Room 130 campus map
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone: 315 498-2428