Establishes the New York International Scholarship program and makes an appropriation therefor

BILL NUMBER:S3610

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the New York International Scholarship program and making an appropriation therefor

Purpose or general idea of bill

The legislation enhances federal international scholarship dollars to enable students of limited means to extend their stay abroad for up to a full academic year.

Summary of provisions

Adds a new section 667-d to the Education Law.

Section One demonstrates the purpose described above, and authorizes the President of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to supplement funds received by eligible individuals under the federal International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, Title III, PL 106-309. Additionally, the section provides that the president may award up to $1,000 for any individual recipient of the federal scholarship to defray international travel costs and extend study time abroad, and outlines eligibility requirements.

Section Two appropriates $1 million to the New York State HESC for the implementation of New York International Scholarship Program.

Justification

In our increasingly global society, knowledge of and experience in another country is counted as an asset in all fields of endeavor. Awareness of another culture can often serve as the critical component in business dealings, educational exchange, and preserving local stability in a diverse society. The ability to communicate in a language other than English is widely regarded as a desired outcome of a university or college education. The New York International Scholarship Program is designed to assist university students who reside and attend either a Public or independent college or university in New York State to gain first-hand experience living and studying in a different culture. The Program would be available to students who qualify for federal funding under the International Education Opportunity Act of 2000, (also referred to as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship) to enable students of limited means to study abroad. The New York International Scholarship will assist them in extending their stay abroad for up to a full academic year.

Throughout its history, New York had led the nation in promoting global awareness; New York City in particular has long served the international community as a center for global commerce. Racial, ethnic, religious, cultural and national diversity characterize the state, hence the value in graduating from New York's colleges and universities young people who better understand and appreciate the diversity of the global community by virtue of having studied outside the United States. The New York State Scholarship Program will exemplify our leadership in the international community and help strengthen our global competitiveness. The Institute for

International Education (IIE), headquartered in New York City, intends to promote the program as a model for every state in America. It is only fitting that New York State take the lead in the national movement to promote international study.

Prior legislative history

2009-10: A 568 Referred to Higher Education 2007-08: A.4787 Referred to Higher Education 2005-06: A.5644 Referred to Higher Education 2003-04: A.264 Referred to Higher Education

Fiscal implications

This bill makes an appropriation of $1 million to enhance the federal dollars earmarked for qualified students participating in the International Education Opportunity Program.

Effective date

On the 60th day after it shall have become law.