![](https://erikmcgregor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/EM-191205-RallyToFundCUNY-016.jpg)
New York, NY – College students, faculty, staff, and advocate groups including NYPIRG, CUNY University Student Senate, PSC/CUNY, and CUNY Rising Alliance held a rally outside the Governor’s Manhattan office on December 5, 2019 to call for expanded funding for NY’s educational opportunity programs in his upcoming Executive Budget.
![](https://erikmcgregor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/EM-191205-RallyToFundCUNY-013.jpg)
Despite track records of success, opportunity programs at NY colleges have been routinely cut in the Governor’s Executive Budget.
![](https://erikmcgregor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/EM-191205-RallyToFundCUNY-006.jpg)
A large group of rally attendees picketed holding posters and chanting; their placards displayed messages related to the educational opportunity programs budgets cuts in the Executive Budget over time.
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Students who are a part of educational opportunity programs such as SEEK, College Discovery, ASAP, EOP, and HEOP often face the highest educational or economic hurdles to college degree completion.
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Most recipients of these programs are low-income students of color. The call for expanded funding, which is supported by opportunity program staff at CUNY, would help increase graduation rates, and could expand critical student services.
![CUNY Rally to fund Educational Opportunity Programs](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49175208677_3c24193c53_o.jpg)
© Erik McGregor – erikrivas@hotmail.com – 917-225-8963