Establishes the free reimbursement for excellence in education for community colleges (FREE CC) program

BILL NUMBER:S7793

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to estab- lishing the free reimbursement for excellence in education community colleges program

Purpose

To guarantee access to a free community college education in New York State for students that meet specific criteria

Summary of provisions

Section one adds a new section 679-g in the education law to establish the program. The Higher Education Services Corporation would be required to reimburse students for the cost of attending a community college who:

- graduate from a NYS high school or receive a GED

- apply for admission at a SUNY or CUNY community college within one year of graduation or receipt of the GED

-enroll in a SUNY or CUNY community college beginning in the fall of 2015 or thereafter

- file a FAFSA

- attend community college on a full-time basis

- graduate with a 2.5 GPA

- graduate within 3 years; and

- file an application with HESC within one year of graduation

Section two provides for an immediate effective date

Justification

Community colleges are the gateway to higher education for thousands of New Yorkers each year. Completion of these two-year programs enable students to enter the workforce with employable skills, earn decent wages and/or pursue further higher education. Therefore, it makes sense to reduce the cost to the students being educated at these community colleges. At a time when higher education is becoming increasingly unaf- fordable, more students are entering community college full time and the skills sets demanded by employers are changing in ways that make commu- nity college a more attractive option, this bill will strengthen our community colleges and our higher education system by rewarding success- ful completion.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.