Danielle Sagor ’09 wanted to be able to tell people what it is like to be a Higher Education Opportunities Program (HEOP) student. So she did.

A neuroscience major might seem an unlikely match for a project involving sociology and history.  However, after receiving a McNair Scholarship that enabled her to do research on campus last summer, the native of Liverpool, N.Y., and Liverpool High School graduate couldn’t refuse.

Sagor’s project focuses on the history of the Higher Education Opportunities Program. As a HEOP student herself, Sagor said, “Lots of people aren’t aware of what the HEOP program is. I wanted to be able to tell people what it means to be a student in the program. But the truth is, I didn’t know 100 percent myself.” She also mentioned that there was not a lot of research available on the subject.

Although the project conveyed the history, Sagor wanted it to have other meaning as well. She said, “I wanted to work on the stereotypes and the negative perceptions that come with the HEOP program.”
The HEOP program began in 1969. It gives students who are economically or academically disadvantaged an opportunity to attend college when otherwise they might not be able to.

During her research, Sagor traveled to conferences in Buffalo and Albany, NY. She also traveled to the State Education Department in Albany to interview the former director of the program.

After the project was finished, Sagor conducted a presentation on campus to help break down the stereotypes associated with the program. She said, “I was really surprised the student body cared enough to come see another student’s work. It was great!”

Sagor added, “A lot more people are informed and recognize the importance of what they’re a part of now. I am thankful for that.”