HEOP Students Engage in Community Service Volunteering

Hamilton College Opportunity Programs students got a taste of volunteer work when they participated in a statewide Opportunity Programs United Service Week in July.

Thirty-seven Hamilton students participated in the community service event at three locations in Utica:

• Thea Bowman House where students played kickball in Proctor Park with local children
• Masonic Care Community where students visited with senior residents
• Johnson Park Center where students mowed lawns, scraped paint and weeded

The service week included students from HEOP, EOP and SEEK/ CD programs from approximately 60 colleges and universities throughout New York State. Through this initiative students experienced different community efforts with the hope that Opportunity Program students will become involved in a life-enriching experience of giving and service.

Hamilton College Opportunity Programs is comprised of three programs designed to improve access to higher education for students who may have experienced academic and or financial obstacles, but clearly have demonstrated an ability to perform in a competitive academic environment: the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is sponsored by New York State Education Department; Hamilton Scholars Program is a Hamilton College supported program; and Opportunity Pathways is sponsored by the New York State Office of Temporary Assistance and Disability Assistance.

All programs provide a wide range of support services, and include a credit-bearing summer session. A critical component of the program is community involvement for the purpose of personal enrichment and productive citizenship.

This year, Opportunity Programs are celebrating the 40th year of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Programs in New York State.