Relates to the New York state science, technology, engineering and mathematics incentive program

6 Co-sponsors

• Thomas Croci
• John A. DeFrancisco
• Rich Funke
• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Robert Ortt
• James L. Seward

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the New York state science, technology, engineering and mathematics incentive program

Purpose

The bill will align the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Incentive program with other state scholarship programs, allowing students to choose the college or university with the academic program and approach that benefits them the most.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Provides access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics incentive program awards to students at institutions of higher education, as defined under section 601 of the education law.

Justification

The recently passed Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Incentive Program offers the State's top 10 percent of high school graduates full-time tuition scholarships to attend the State University of New York (SUNY) or City University (CUNY) if they study in STEM-related fields and commit to staying in New York State for five years following graduation.

The initiative is needed as a way to fill the half-million STEM jobs anticipated in the state by 2018. Currently, of all the bachelor's degrees awarded in the State, just one quarter (23%) are awarded to students pursuing STEM and related degrees.

Since the current program does not leverage all of New York's higher education assets in bolstering our STEM-educated workforce, this bill would ensure that program's eligibility operates similar to other scholarship programs where the funding follows the student.

In 2011-12, the Independent Sector awarded nearly 6 in 10 (58%) of the bachelor's degrees awarded in STEM fields in New York State. While one-third of its bachelor's degrees earned in the United States are in STEM fields, half (50%) of all degrees awarded in China and Japan are in these critical areas. We are already behind and risk widening the gap if we do not fully engage all campuses in creative efforts such as the Incentive Program. Right now, every other scholarship program currently in statute enables students to take their state-funded scholarship equal in value to SUNY tuition to the New York college or university of their choice.

Private colleges and universities are leaders in STEM education. Many are anchor tenants in their communities. Many educate large numbers and proportions of New York State resident students, often students from the immediate region. Once graduated, these students fill critical positions at engineering and technology companies in their communities. We believe that all of New York students should be able to benefit from the STEM Incentive Program regardless of where they choose to attend college.

Legislative history

2014 S.7567A/A.9892A.

Fiscal implications

The recently passed STEM Incentive program is estimated at $8 million in year one. This bill estimates an additional $1 million would allow resident students to attend any New York State college or university.

Effective date

Immediately.