Provides an annual scholarship of $1000 for students with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA who attend a New York state public postsecondary institution

1 Co-sponsor

• José Peralta

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to state college attendance awards for students who maintain a certain minimum cumulative average throughout high school

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would provide students who maintain a 3.00 high school GPA with a $1000 yearly scholarship if they attend a CUNY or SUNY college.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the education law by adding a new section 670-c: State college attendance awards: an eligible student shall receive one thousand dollars annually, provided such student enrolls in an associate or baccalaureate degree program at a public postsecondary institution located in this state within one year of graduation from a public high school located in this state.

Section 2: Eligibility: an eligible student is one who has attended an approved public high school program located in this state and who has maintained a 3.0 cumulative average for each of all semesters.

Section 3: Duration

Section 4: Amount: Eligible students entering a public community college with a two year degree program will receive one thousand dollars for each of two years or a maximum of two thousand dollars. Eligible students entering a public four year college shall receive one thousand dollars for each of four years, or a maximum of four thousand dollars.

Justification

Tuition increases and declining financial aid has made it very difficult for students to afford attending college. This bill would not only provide financial assistance to eligible students but it will also encourage students to attend local public colleges.

Prior legislative history

2007-2008: A.1686 01/09/08 - Referred to Higher Education

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become a law.