The NOAH Program (New Opportunities at Hofstra) offers disadvantaged young adults, a unique and magnificent experience. A large number of NOAH Students come from disadvantage households, and/or neighborhoods. The NOAH Program is the HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) of Hofstra University.
Like HEOP programs the NOAH Program is funded by the state, and its students receive financial aid, but the NOAH Program is different in that it also receives monies from Hofstra University. Since the NOAH Program also receives funds that come from the University, NOAH Students’ financial package is larger than other HEOP Students.
The NOAH Program provides students with both an educational and family environment. From the Director of the NOAH Program to the Students there is a caring, loving, educational environment. The family structure for NOAH Student begins during their six to seven week pre-freshmen summer program. During the summer program students are not allowed to contact their families, however, they do meet their NOAH Family. NOAH Students refer to the program as a family that cares for you, loves you and if needed disciplines you. For many NOAH Students the program is the only family they have. NOAH Students refer to each other as NOAH brothers and sisters. During the summer students are not allowed to see family and friends, and are forced to study and become enlightened. This process ensures that the students will rely on each other for support and guidance. This is where they begin to build and expand their family. According to NOAH Students the NOAH Summer Program is difficult and challenging, but it is also one of the greatest experiences of each of their lives.
The NOAH Program accepts very few students yearly; there are a total of 120 NOAH Students at Hofstra University, that all have a strong bond with each other. Four of the administrators of the NOAH Program are former NOAH Students, and they continue to lay the foundation and the family tradition of the NOAH Program. The Director of the NOAH Program, Cynthia Diaz-Wilson and the rest of the NOAH Administrators and Staff extend themselves to the students more than what is required. The administrators, staff and students of the NOAH Program all refer to each other as a family, and act as a family.
This program is amazing, and for the few that may have the opportunity to become part of the NOAH Program, whether as a student, administrator or staff member it is imperative that they take full advantage of the very unique opportunity.
