The Higher Education Opportunity Program (H.E.O.P.) is a thirty-year partnership between the state of New York and its independent colleges and universities. Through this innovative partnership for New York State residents, students are offered a wide range of services such as tutoring, counseling, supplemental financial aid, mentoring, and the opportunity to have dreams come true.

Mandated to serve urban, rural and suburban "disadvantaged populations" which have been traditionally under-represented in higher education, the H.E.O.P., to date, has graduated more than 24,000 students with a 52% graduation rate that is higher than the national average. Additionally, 76% of its graduates are employed directly after graduation, while 24% go on to graduate and professional education.