Joshua Goodwin '26 (top row, center) and Abraham Olatunde (bottom center) pose with
EOP ambassadors from several institutions across SUNY. Photo credit: SUNY Office of
Opportunity Programs
EOP Budget restored and increased for 2026-27
EOP is pleased to share that the EOP budget line has been restored and increased in
the New York Governor’s Executive Budget for the 2026-2027 year. This is an important
reminder that advocacy matters and that the voices of students, alumni, families,
and campus partners continue to make a difference. To all of our alumni and students
who shared a story, made a phone call, wrote a letter, or created an Instagram reel
to remind leaders across New York State why EOP remains essential, we thank you.
We offer special thanks to ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« and EOP alumna Senator Lea Webb,
whose public service and continued commitment to educational access reflect the very
best of the EOP mission.
We could not do this work without the assistance and collaboration of ÑÇÖÞÇéɫ’s
own SUNY EOP Ambassadors, rising junior Abraham Olatunde and Joshua Goodwin ’26, who
have proudly helped tell the story of EOP through student voice, leadership, advocacy,
and visibility. Their work includes providing student perspective to the SUNY Chancellor
on strengthening the program and helping demonstrate the impact of opportunity programs
across New York state, reminding legislators, campus leaders, families, and future
students that EOP is not simply a program students pass through. It is a community
that shapes confidence, leadership, academic success, and lifelong purpose.
Super shout-out to all EOP alumni serving in the New York State Legislature and in
public leadership roles across the country. Your presence proclaims that EOP does
more than open doors to college. EOP prepares leaders who continue to open doors for
others.
