SUNY Canton Welcomes EOP Students to Campus

This weekend, SUNY Canton welcomed nearly 30 new Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students to campus for summer orientation.

The EOP program provides students with the benefit of a residential college experience before starting their classes. Enrollment is open to all students who meet the program’s longstanding academic and financial need requirements, and it is renowned for providing comprehensive support to help first-generation students succeed.

According to SUNY Canton EOP Director Matthew McCluskey, the orientation session’s focus is on building momentum and developing relationships to help students prepare for the fall semester.

"I appreciate how our new students have hit the ground running on the first day of the program,” McCluskey said. “They are doing a great job today getting to know the campus, their peers and the EOP team."

SUNY Canton’s program received increased support from a $10.7 million statewide increase in EOP funding in the 2026-2027 State budget. SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran noted his appreciation to Governor Kathy Hochul and the State legislators for their commitment to advancing higher education opportunities. “EOP is a proven program to advance student success and upward mobility,” he said.

Since 2022, SUNY-wide EOP enrollment has increased by 21%, 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 programs. There are more than 9,000 EOP students throughout the SUNY System, and nearly 100 are enrolled at SUNY Canton.

"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 the SUNY Board of Trustees for their continued investment in empowering EOP students and supporting their efforts to unleash their full potential."

In addition to State and SUNY support, SUNY Canton’s EOP summer orientation receives funding from the USDA's Summer Food Service Program. The college receives about approximately $7,000 in funding to provide healthy lunch options for the new students.