The Ithaca Opportunity Program (IOP) sponsored by Ithaca College is designed to recruit, retain, and graduate students who have historically been underrepresented in American higher education because of their ethnic and/or racial background. Groups targeted are African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Native American. IOP students are New York State and out-of-state residents who are academically prepared and meet regular Ithaca College admission requirements. Combined with an Ithaca Opportunity Program grant, students receive state (TAP) and federal aid (Pell, SEOG, Stafford, and work-study) to help meet educational costs. It is expected that all IOP students will choose to participate in and benefit from the three- or five-week prefreshman summer academic orientation program. Additionally, IOP students participate in a variety of year-round support services. Eligibility is determined during the admission process.
Ithaca College also sponsors the New York State Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). HEOP provides access to college for selected students whose prior academic experiences do not reflect their true potential. HEOP students meet both academic and financial guidelines set by the New York State Education Department and by the College. Educational costs are met through need-based aid programs consisting of the Ithaca/New York State HEOP grant, New York State TAP and HEOP grants, and federal aid programs such as Pell grants, SEOG, Stafford loans, and work-study. All entering HEOP first-year students, in a joint program with selected IOP first-year students, attend a five-week prefreshman summer academic orientation program. Designed to strengthen learning skills, broaden academic background, and familiarize students with Ithaca College resources, the summer program provides a comprehensive preview of college-level academic work.
During the academic year, academic support is provided to IOP and HEOP students in more than a dozen subject areas by professional staff. In addition, program counselors assist students with academic work, financial aid, career planning, and personal concerns. All freshmen meet weekly with one or more tutors and with a program counselor. After the freshman year, students may consult the academic support staff as needed and may be assigned regular meetings in order to strengthen academic performance.
In addition, Ithaca College sponsors the New York State Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). CSTEP provides academic enrichment and career-oriented experiences for students who want careers in science- and health-related fields or in licensed professions such as law and accounting. CSTEP students participate in internships, conduct research, and become involved with faculty or professional mentors to learn more about their areas of interest. Eligibility for CSTEP depends on a number of factors, including New York residency, ethnicity, and family income levels. Students are selected for participation both during the admissions process and during the school year.
To apply for HEOP, students should do the following:
1. Check the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP) box on the Ithaca College application.
2. Submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), and send it to the federal processor for analysis. Indicate on the form that information is to be released to Ithaca College. NOTE: The application takes four to six weeks to process before release to the College. The completed FAFSA should be mailed to the federal processor as soon as possible. HEOP-eligible students must submit a New York State express TAP application (ETA) to the address indicated within the form. The FAFSA application is available at local high schools or colleges. The ETA is mailed directly to the student after the processing of the FAFSA. For more information, see Student Aid, p. 325.
3. Transfer students eligible for HEOP should submit a transfer application form to verify state eligibility. This form is available through the HEOP program in which the student was last enrolled or New York State public sponsored EOP at SUNY and CUNY institutions.
