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New Opportunities at Hofstra
Initiated in 1964, New Opportunities At Hofstra (NOAH) was one of the first programs of its kind in the United States. It is an admissions and developmental program designed to identify and assist nontraditional students whose educational experience and economic status did not provide them with the opportunity to develop their scholastic abilities to the level requisite for undergraduate admission and study at Hofstra.
The New York State Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), established in 1969, provides statewide access at independent colleges and universities to economically and educationally disadvantaged students. NOAH is the Arthur O. Eve HEOP at Hofstra University.
NOAH counselors plan individual programs of study to help students develop their scholastic abilities by providing:
- Advisement in academic and campus life at Hofstra;
- instructional services and tutoring, including the assistance of a reading specialist, writing clinician and math clinician;
- support services, including sufficient financial aid
Eligibility
To be eligible for the NOAH Program, students must:
- be inadmissible according to the regular admissions criteria of Hofstra University;
- demonstrate ability or talent in some endeavor, academic or otherwise;
- demonstrate that their high school experience did not permit them to fully achieve their academic potential;
- have a gross family income below the level set by New York State guidelines;
- submit a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as a New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application and a copy of the family 1040 tax return for the year preceding admission.
Admission and Financial Aid
Since the amount of financial aid allocated to the NOAH program is limited, interested students must apply during their senior year of high school. To facilitate the processing of applications, candidates should:
- contact the Office of Admissions, Bernon Hall, at 1-800-HOFSTRA for an application;
- pick up a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from their high school guidance counselors and file the form before February 15;
- contact the NOAH Office, located in Room 132 Gallon Wing, at (516) 463-6976, for a NOAH Financial Aid Statement Form;
- take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) on or before the December test date of their senior year;
- submit the completed application, along with recommendations, official copies of high school transcripts and SAT scores, to the Hofstra University Office of Admissions.
Upon receipt of all completed application materials, the Office of Admissions will determine eligibility.
Completed applications are then directed to the NOAH office. All candidates must provide a financial profile (to determine economic eligibility) and must participate in an individual and group interview.
When accepted students are identified as NOAH scholarship recipients, financial aid packages are prepared, which take into account the students’ needs as determined by the FAFSA.
Awards are made from University funds as well as from federal and state grants and loans. NOAH students typically receive substantial financial aid packages, which may cover a significant portion of their education costs.
Developmental Program
The academic portion of the NOAH program begins in the summer. In this required program students attend classes in reading, social sciences, mathematics and English.
Students also participate in a College Summer Seminar, which examines such topics as study skills and time management. The purpose of this summer program is to provide incoming students with some insight into the nature of the academic environment at Hofstra and the standards of academic performance expected. A maximum of three credits may be earned during this summer program. During the first year, developmental courses as well as regular University courses are part of NOAH students’ academic programs. For a complete description of NOAH courses, please refer to the latest edition of the Hofstra University General Bulletin.
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."
– Frederick Douglass
NOAH Program activities are supported, in part, by a grant from the New York State Education Department.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE NOAH PROGRAM, CONTACT:
Office of Admissions
100 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549-1000
(516) 463-6700 | 1-800-HOFSTRA