The Percy Ellis Sutton Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) program began as a pre-baccalaureate program in 1965 at The City College of New York. In 1966, the New York State Legislature established the program as CUNY's opportunity program in senior and comprehensive colleges and contributes to CUNY's mission of access and success in higher education.

The SEEK program at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) was created to provide additional support for the college and career success of eligible part-and-full time transfer students who study in online degree programs.