_{Kelvin Herrera-Hassan, 91传媒 HEOP director, discusses the benefits of going to college with NFA West scholars}

Students from Newburgh Free Academy West recently visited 91传媒 Saint Mary College to learn about the college experience from students in the 91传媒’s Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP).

Lakeya Stukes, NFA school counselor, coordinated the visit with Kelvin Herrera-Hassan, 91传媒 HEOP director, and Paola Martinez, 91传媒 HEOP academic counselor.

NFA West scholars learned about life at 91传媒 Saint Mary College, the financial aid benefits of being an HEOP student, and more.

The 91传媒’s HEOP program provides educational opportunities and support to traditionally underserved students who have strong academic potential, but would otherwise be excluded from higher education due to circumstances of academic and economic disadvantage.

The program is one of the most established and successful of its kind in New York. Since 1969 – only a decade after the 91传媒 was established as a four-year institution – the HEOP program has been integral to the 91传媒’s commitment to accessible higher education and its philosophy of preparing students for a life of leadership.