The first members of the Class of 2028 arrived on campus this week and got down to the business of becoming Siena Saints.
Fourteen incoming freshmen make up the newest cohort of the College’s Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), an academic support services program for highly motivated students who are academically and economically underserved. On July 8, they moved into Padua Hall for a five-week summer session where they will take classes, experience campus living, receive academic counseling and tutoring, attend workshops with HEOP staff and campus partners, and go on weekend excursions to build community and get acquainted with the Capital Region.
“The end goal of the program is for our students to be well-equipped to start their first year of college when they come back in the fall,” said Associate Director Dan Hulseapple.
Sara Gelani ’28 (above, left) hails from Rensselaer and is looking to study computer science with an emphasis on cybersecurity.
“Being a part of the HEOP summer program is allowing me to develop a routine,” she said. “While it is challenging, it is teaching me how to balance my social life and academics, which is helping me feel more confident in myself and my ability to be successful.”
Siena received more than 500 applications for its 14 spots: that's an acceptance rate below three percent, making the program highly competitive. HEOP is open to qualifying state residents and is offered by colleges throughout New York. Siena’s HEOP has an exceptional success rate, according to Director Yasmin Fisher ’10.
“Siena College has a 50+ year history of documented accomplishments that have prepared a wide range of students for the rigor of higher education, the complexities of campus life, and their future careers,” said Fisher. “Our students consistently graduate with their degrees in four years at twice the statewide rate for all opportunity programs.”
Hulseapple said HEOP’s robust financial aid packages make college “a viable option for our students and families.”
“The holistic, individualized support they receive while here allows our students to persist and graduate in four years.”
Debora Yangwa ’28 of Syracuse is interested in studying nursing.
“The support system that is provided really helps to balance out the stress that comes with the program,” she said. “As challenging as it can be, I know in the end it will all be worth it. I have a great community that wants to see me excel and will always push me to be better."
Daniel Wong ’28 of Rochester is planning to study philosophy or social work. He said the summer orientation is making a positive impact on him and his fellow HEOP students.
“So far at Siena, everyone I have met and interacted with has been so kind and welcoming, whether or not they are on the HEOP staff,” he said. “The HEOP summer program is challenging, but I know it is in place to make us the best scholars we can be and to get us ready for the fall semester and beyond.”
