RCC Welcomes Incoming Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Class for Summer Orientation

Rockland Community College (RCC) recently welcomed its incoming class of Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students to campus for summer orientation. The EOP summer orientation program gives incoming students the benefit of a residential college experience before starting classes for the fall semester. This year, 35 incoming EOP students are participating in the summer orientation program at RCC.

Launched in 2023, EOP at RCC is designed to provide access to college education and improve college affordability for low-income students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. The program offers financial aid, tuition assistance, and need-based scholarships to ensure that students from low-income families have access to quality education. To date 253 students have gone through the program; many go on to transfer to four-year schools.

“The goal is to promote education accessibility and offer financial support for students who demonstrate promise but may face financial obstacles. Through EOP, education for low-income families is made possible by providing the necessary resources and support to help students achieve their academic and career goals,” stated Austin Singleton, Director of EOP.

The EOP program at RCC is made possible in part by a historic $10.7 million increase in EOP funding in the fiscal year 2026-2027 state budget, secured with the support of Gov. 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.

"The Educational Opportunity Program embodies the mission of Rockland Community College by expanding access to higher education and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their goals. Through EOP, we are investing not only in our students' academic success, but also in the future of our communities. We are honored to welcome these students to RCC and remain committed to providing the resources, guidance and support that will help them thrive," said Dr. William P. Mullaney, President of Rockland Community College.

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

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 support. 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.

To learn more about SUNY EOP at Rockland Community College, visit https://sunyrockland.edu/services/eop/ or contact Austin Singleton at austin.singleton@sunyrockland.edu or 845-574-4399.

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York

Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The College offers 35 degree and 3 certificate programs, supported by a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg. For more information about RCC, visit sunyrockland.edu.

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