Higher Ed Opportunity Programs

For a select group of scholars, the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and the Barnard Opportunity Program (BOP) offer an additional pathway to admission to Barnard. Students admitted to either the HEOP or BOP Scholars Programs exhibit spirit, drive, curiosity and motivation characteristic of Barnard students. Our scholars also achieve academically, despite financial and academic disadvantage.  To be considered, students must meet eligibility requirements. Once enrolled, scholars benefit from are supported in their drive toward success with further resources and assistance once on campus.

The HEOP Scholars Program was established at Barnard in 1970 and is funded in partnership with New York State. Students must be residents of New York State in order to apply for the program. Students in the Barnard Opportunity Program benefit from the same resources and opportunities as HEOP Scholars but are residents of states other than New York. Our scholars are part of a small community with extra mentorship and support to persist through the challenging and exciting transition to college, four years of growth at Barnard, and post-graduation years.

Program Components

Below is a sample of the support services available to Barnard College HEOP and BOP Scholars:

• A full-need financial aid package so that finances do not prevent you from attending Barnard. The financial aid package is based on the total cost of a Barnard education and includes a combination of grants, loans, and work aid to ensure that your primary focus is academic, not financial. (Barnard is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students, regardless of whether or not she is designated a HEOP/BOP scholar).
   
• An intensive five-week summer program. All HEOP/BOP Scholars are required to participate in a five-week residential summer program prior to their first year at Barnard. This program is designed to help students strengthen their skills in math, science, literary analysis, writing, research, and computer use. The summer program also helps students familiarize themselves with the Barnard and Columbia neighborhood prior to the start of school.
   
• Academic year events. The HEOP/BOP office hosts various social events throughout academic year, including the annual HEOP/BOP luncheon, a variety of workshops and study breaks, the HEOP/BOP Alumnae Speaker Series, graduation celebrations, and the Sister-to-Sister mentoring network.
   
• Free tutoring and counseling. The HEOP/BOP Office offers its students free tutoring and counseling during the school year, as well as the use of textbooks and laptop computers. Students are also given free access to fax and copy machines, long distance phone service for educational or job-related purposes, and if necessary, learning disability testing.
   
• A committed HEOP/BOP staff on call throughout the year to help you manage the challenges associated with a new academic environment, a busy campus life, and living away from home. Frequent study and social events are also sponsored by the staff.

In addition, HEOP/BOP juniors and seniors receive financial assistance with the following:

• Free graduate or professional exam review courses;
• Graduate school application fee waivers;
• Additional senior thesis writing support from the Barnard College Writing Center staff.

For questions concerning the HEOP Scholars Program, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@barnard.edu or (212) 854-2014. You may also contact the Scholars Office at (212) 854-3583.