Siena has just received word that funding for its successful Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) has been renewed – and increased – for a new five-year cycle.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) announced that the College will receive $2,632,544 for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 to support 50 full time students. This translates to annual funding of $526,508, a considerable increase over the roughly $350,000 per year for the 2019-2024 cycle.
HEOP Director Yasmin Fisher ’10 said the office is “proud and grateful” for NYSED’s commitment to Siena, which has consistently had one of the most successful HEOPs of any college in the state. Siena's HEOP has regularly posted high four-year graduation rates, including 92 percent in May 2023.
A site visit last April by NYSED officials was part of the funding renewal process.
“They were extremely impressed with our program and the overwhelming support the leadership here at Siena shows the program and students,” said Fisher. “Many students
praised the HEOP staff for creating a ‘family’ environment that made them feel supported in
everything they do. At one point our state liaison mentioned how we could be a model to other HEOPs in the state.”
Securing the five-year NYSED funding is only part of the effort to support HEOP achievement at colleges throughout New York state. Arlette Tejada Jiménez ‘24, Pah Qui ’24, Arian Bridges ’25 and Alivia Nieves ’25 reached out via social media and Zoom to targeted state legislators on February 13’s Student Advocacy Day. They shared their personal stories of how HEOP has made a difference in their lives, and encouraged an increase in state funding for HEOP and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
“Participating in Advocacy Day was a valuable experience,” said Nieves. “We had the opportunity to meet different college students with similar backgrounds and work together to explain to elected officials how essential government funding is for higher education. We want to ensure that future generations of students will be able to receive access to a college education without financial constraints.”
A sociology major from Queens, Nieves said being part of Siena’s HEOP put her “on track with my academics” and offered guidance throughout her journey here at Siena.
“HEOP works,” she said. “I’ve been able to work with my HEOP counselors and faculty during my years at Siena, and I’m getting input on my future plans as well. I intend to stay in Albany and pursue my master’s degree in criminal justice. Without HEOP, I wouldn’t be where I am.”
Jiménez, a psychology major with a health studies minor from the Bronx, enjoyed being able to advocate for the importance of TAP and HEOP, and hearing other students experience how the programs have helped them get through school.
“What I love most about HEOP is its ability to strengthen each student’s confidence and learning capacity,” she said. “Through tutoring, counseling and constant workshops, I have learned to independently handle my own tasks and advocate for my personal goals.”
Qui, a creative arts major from Syracuse, added, “HEOP has provided me with invaluable experiences, opening doors to newfound opportunities and a pathway to success.”
Dan Hulseapple, HEOP’s associate director, helped organize the Advocacy Day outreach, which was moved to an online format due to heavy snow.
“Our students represented themselves, HEOP, and Siena College masterfully,” said Hulseapple. “They came prepared to tell their own stories about what HEOP and college access mean to them, and I think those stories - in their own words - are more powerful than anything we as staff could say on their behalf. It really affirms the value of the work we do.”
The Siena students spoke directly with Assemblyman Billy Jones and Assemblyman John T. McDonald, III. They also talked with staffers from the Assembly offices of Johnathan Jacobson, William Magnarelli and Taylor Darling.
