07/21/2026
SUNY Cortland’s fall semester classes officially begin Aug. 31, but there’s a group of first-year students already hard at work during the summer.
The university’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Summer Institute started in early July, providing a monthlong campus experience and full days of college prep coursework for new undergraduates who are getting a head start on their Cortland experience.
SUNY Cortland’s incoming EOP class includes 43 scholars from across New York state — one of the largest-ever Cortland cohorts in the program’s nearly 60-year history.
Across SUNY, the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program provides comprehensive support for students from low-income backgrounds who faced challenges with their K-12 academic preparation. Many are the first in their families to go to college.
“EOP has the potential to open doors and change the lives of our students, and it starts during the summer when we build community,” said Kharmen Wingard ’M 11, director of EOP. “Summer Institute relies on considerable effort from our staff and our students, but it’s always worth it because it helps lay the foundation.”
During their five-week summer experience, new EOP students live on campus and prioritize weekday classes focused on their future studies. They also receive individualized tutoring, learn more about campus resources and take part in evening and weekend social activities.
A banquet at the end of Summer Institute recognizes their progress, with the young scholars returning to campus in late August.
EOP is made possible in part by the historic $10.7 million increase in program funding in the fiscal year 2026-2027 New York State Budget from Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
“We are grateful to Governor Hochul and state legislators for their steadfast commitment to advancing higher education opportunities for our students,” Wingard said. “EOP is a proven program to advance student success and upward mobility.”
Additional highlights for SUNY Cortland’s EOP efforts during the 2025-26 academic year included:
- Participation in SUNY’s EOP Paid Internship Scale-Up Initiative: The university earned more than $50,000 in funding to increase student participation in high-impact practices. Up to 20 EOP scholars will be able to earn a paid internship stipend paying them $1,920 for a three-credit, semester-long work experience.
- Creation of the university’s EOP Teaching Scholars Program: A $30,000 grant will help future teachers enrolled in EOP with costs connected to an education degree, including teacher certification and the expenses of student teaching.
- Student success stories: Several EOP scholars earned statewide and national recognition during the past year. They included Joshua Jenkins ’26, a psychology major who was SUNY Cortland’s recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence; Mamadou “Saliou” Diallo ’26, a biomedical sciences major who received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence; and Ikenna Okoye, a physical education major who was recognized by President Barack Obama for his work with My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.
“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 John B. King Jr. “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.”
Since 2022, EOP enrollment across SUNY has increased by 21%, reflecting continued demand for the program and its supports. In 2025-26, SUNY Cortland enrolled 114 EOP scholars — with a 54% increase in the past three years.
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.
EOP enrollment is open to all students who meet the program’s longstanding academic and financial need requirements.