As Farmingdale State College (FSC) celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the College proudly welcomed 35 incoming students to campus this month to begin the 2026 EOP Summer Bridge Program. The four-week residential summer program provides incoming students with an immersive academic and campus life experience that prepares them for a successful transition to college before the start of the fall semester. 

Beyond the classroom, students engage in a variety of educational and enrichment experiences designed to foster personal growth and strengthen connections with their peers. This year's program includes field trips to the Museum of the City of New York, where students will explore the history and culture of New York City, and Activate, an interactive team-based gaming experience that promotes collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. By combining academic coursework, technology training, experiential learning, and community-building activities, the EOP Summer Bridge Program equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to begin their first semester at FSC successfully.  

The State University of New York’s (SUNY) Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program provides affordable excellence and comprehensive support to help students from low-income backgrounds who did not receive sufficient academic preparation in K-12 – many of whom are the first in their families to go to college – succeed in earning a degree. The EOP program at FSC is made possible in part by the historic $10.7 million increase in EOP funding in the fiscal year 2026-2027 State budget thanks to the strong support and commitment by Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. 

EOP enrollment is open to all students who meet the program’s longstanding academic and financial need requirements. Since 2022, SUNY EOP enrollment has increased by 21 percent, 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, 150 of which are enrolled at FSC. 

“We are grateful to Governor Hochul and State legislators for their steadfast commitment to advancing higher education opportunities for students here at Farmingdale, and at campuses across New York State,” said FSC President Robert S. Prezant. “FSC is deeply committed to equipping EOP students with the strategies, resources, and support they need to succeed from day one. We are proud to welcome students to campus as we celebrate a milestone anniversary of this important program, a cornerstone of our comprehensive portfolio of student success initiatives.” 

"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." 

As part of the program, students will earn one college credit by completing FYE 101 (First-Year Experience), a course that introduces essential strategies for academic success, time management, goal setting, and navigating the college environment. Participants will also receive hands-on training with key campus technologies, including DegreeWorks, OASIS, and Brightspace, ensuring they are prepared to access academic resources and manage their coursework from day one.

For Marquies Clifford Ross, ’28, an applied psychology major, being a part of the program “has been nothing but positivity” as he navigated personal challenges while trying to focus on his education.

“I was going through some family problems at home, and I did not have a very stable place to lay my head, unfortunately,” he said. “Coming into college, I was extremely nervous and scared. I thought I was never going to fit in. But through EOP, I’ve received the best advice and options and have had the most fun I’ve ever had in my life building relationships around campus. Entering EOP is one of the best choices I’ve made. It has helped me see clearly how successful I can be and what steps I need to take to reach that success.”

 

 

---