The Office of Canisius' Opportunity Programs for Education (COPE) is responsible for administering two very different and distinct programs: The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and Martin Luther King Scholarship/Grant (MLK). The two programs are designed to offer educational opportunities as well as to provide academic and financial support.
The Office of Canisius' Opportunity Program for Education extends educational opportunities and provides supportive services to assist students with achieving their fullest academic potential. Enrolling at Canisius will offer students the opportunity to obtain an undergraduate education of the highest quality, to experience the Canisius tradition and heritage, and to begin the road to success in a career of choice. Since the curriculum is intellectually stimulating and challenging, COPE provides assistance and support to the motivated student to achieve his/her goals.
Higher Educational Opportunity Programs (HEOP)
The program is designed for students who, based on high school academic performance , have the potential for and interest in pursuing college level study, but do not meet the regular admission requirements of the college.
Foster Youth College Success Initiative
The Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) is a state program administered by the New York State Education Department that supports current and former foster care students enrolling in or attending college. It provides support and financial assistance to help students achieve academic success.
View Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, a student must meet the following three criteria.
The student must be enrolled in one of the following:
State University of New York (SUNY),
City University of New York (CUNY) college/university, or
NYS Private college/university with a Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).
And the student must meet one of the following criteria:
Have been in foster care on or after their 13th birthday,
Living with a relative in a KinGap agreement or adopted on or after age 13,
In foster care on or after their 13th birthday in another state, other than New York,
Be an orphan, both parents deceased before the student is 18 years old, and the student was not adopted before age 13, or
Be an undocumented immigrant youth who was in foster care on or after their 13th birthday.
And the student must currently be a resident of New York State.
About the Funds
These funds may be used for:
Tuition and Fees
Transportation
Academic Support
Meals and Housing
Advisement
Personal Expenses
Books and Supplies
Tutoring
For more information, please visit the Foster Youth College Success Initiative at the New York State Education Department (nysed.gov).
Campus Liaison:
Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, @email
Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Leadership Opportunities
There are many opportunities for those looking for leadership opportunites with COPE, HEOP and related programs.
MLK Scholarship
This scholarship is in honor of Dr. martin Luther King Jr.'s dedication to peace and equality. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their past academic performance, a written essay, their personal achievements, their involvement in community service and their commitment to the ideals of Dr. King.
Additional Support Services
Other services include tutoring, counseling, and developmental/remedial courses.