The EOP Ambassadors program was first proposed by Giovanni Harvey, student leader at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and an EOP student, as a way to build on the success of EOP by strengthening peer mentorship and networking for students from historically excluded and underserved backgrounds. He understood that the student voice is a crucial part of students feeling confident in their college experience.
In 2021, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras approved the program to provide an opportunity for EOP student leaders to mentor other students, create a student EOP support network of EOP students across the SUNY system, advise the Chancellor on strengthening the program, and help inspire more students to seek opportunities through EOP. The program emerged to support Chancellor Malatras' focus on social mobility, student engagement, recruitment practices, and strategic priorities. The Ambassador program continues to thrive through the Chancellor's commitment to bringing student perspectives into the decision-making process at SUNY to ensure students’ needs are being addressed.
Through the support of Cheryl Hamilton, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life, Opportunity Programs, and Student Advocate, EOP Ambassadors bring their voices to the table, advocate for more representation within the program, and guide SUNY leadership on ways to further increase access to SUNY. Ambassadors foster more strength and accessibility in the program and strengthen the support EOP students need on campuses to succeed.
EOP Ambassadors are role models whose journey to a higher education is inspirational. They serve as mentors to other students and encourage high school seniors to enroll. More students like them will know a college education is attainable and that SUNY is ready and able to provide comprehensive academic and financial support along the way.