HAMBURG — Hilbert College was awarded an Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program grant for participation in the program beginning this August and continuing through 2024.  The HEOP grant, administered by the New York State Education Department, is a comprehensive academic program created in 1970 by the New York State Legislature to assist in providing access for all New Yorkers to the state's private colleges and universities.

 "The HEOP grant is a tremendous opportunity to make a Hilbert education possible for more students in New York state," Hilbert Provost Kristina Lantzky-Eaton, Ph.D. said.  "The program increases access to higher education, which is consistent with Hilbert's mission, vision and values."

 The program is designed for students who, based on high school academic performance, have the potential for and interest in pursuing college-level study, but do not meet the regular admission requirements of the college. The program offers financial assistance based on need, and a variety of support services. The ultimate goal of HEOP at Hilbert is to make higher education a reality for New York state residents who are academically under-prepared and economically disadvantaged.

 All incoming HEOP pre-freshmen will take part in an intensive four-week summer program, which orients students to college life at Hilbert and helps prepare them for the expectations and academic rigor of higher education.

The purpose of this program is to assist students in making the academic, social and personal adjustments, which are essential for educational success.

The pre-freshman program offers a variety of courses and workshops, including study skills, mathematics, writing, financial aid, career planning and more.