First-year Saints accepted into Siena's Higher Education Opportunity Program participate in a mandatory five-week summer program often referred to as "academic boot camp." Though, there's more to the program than just academic preparation.
Admittance into Siena's HEOP program is incredibly competitive, because the payoff is unbelievably rewarding. Eligibility is based on academic and economic criteria, and each year, approximately 16 students are selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants. HEOP students benefit from, over the course of their four years, specialized academic counseling, peer mentoring, and academic tutoring. Plus, and perhaps most impactful, the students take part in the HEOP summer program.
"The value of this program is incredible to say the least," said Citlalli Ovando '27. "It gives an opportunity and support to students who might struggle navigating college on their own. HEOP gives you all the tools you need to succeed; everything else is up to the student and their effort."
The students move onto campus in early July and take courses in English, math, science, and writing. The classes don't count for credit, but they help to sharpen existing skills and develop new strategies for academic success. The students also attend workshops focused on various life skills such as career planning and time management.
"The value of this program is to get you acclimated before stepping foot into this college," said Vincenzia Mangal '27. "HEOP doesn't just care about how you are academically; the people who run HEOP care about your well being, HEOP is an amazing opportunity that comes with a lot of benefits that I was unaware of, so I am very thankful for this. To say the least, HEOP is an amazing program and I thank Yasmin, Dan, Chris, and Cynda for the opportunity."
College, of course, is not all work and no play, so neither is the summer program.
"Without a doubt, I can say I’ve enjoyed our Saturday outings," Citlali said. "Especially water rafting, that was really fun. It’s a day where we can all de-stress and not worry about the next paper due and relax a bit. We all get to know each other better and create a bond with each other."
"The value of the program is to make us succeed in our objectives and positively help us by improving our skills and knowledge," said Arvin Estrella '27. "It is meant to give us a new opportunity to have a better education. What I enjoyed the most was living in a new environment and making new friends inside and outside the program and trips like water rafting."
The five-week summer program concludes in early August.