What's happening
This bill creates the New York International Scholarship program to help financially needy students study abroad in non-English speaking countries.
Why it matters
Expands access to study abroad. for low-income New York students by supplementing federal Gilman Scholarships, making international experiences more attainable for those with financial barriers.
Prioritizes language and cultural immersion. by specifically supporting study in non-English speaking countries, encouraging deeper global engagement and intercultural competency.
Targets students with demonstrated need. by requiring recipients to already receive need-based financial aid and the federal Gilman award, ensuring the program is focused on those with the least resources.
Limits awards to actual costs. by capping total scholarship amounts (including other awards) to the student’s cost of attendance abroad, preventing financial over-awarding and ensuring funds are used efficiently.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Fund Study Abroad Scholarships
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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History
- Referred to finance
- Referred to finance
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Fund International Study Grants
In Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Kevin Cahill
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2379
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 13, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ALCANTARA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the New York International Scholarship program; and making an appropriation therefor
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 667-d to read as follows:
§ 667-d. New York International Scholarship. 1. Statement and purpose. It is the purpose of this section to establish an undergraduate scholarship program to enable an individual of limited financial means from New York state to spend time studying abroad in a non-English speaking country for up to a full academic year.
2. Establishment and duration. The president is authorized to establish the New York International Scholarship program. The president is authorized to provide scholarships to supplement funds received by an eligible individual under the Benjamin A. Gilman International scholarships provided for under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, title III of public law one hundred six-three hundred nine (PL 106-309). No recipient shall be eligible to receive an award pursuant to this section for more than one academic year. Scholarships under this section shall be known as the "New York International Scholarship."
3. Amount. The president upon application therefor shall award a scholarship up to one thousand dollars for any individual recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International scholarships for the purpose of defraying international travel costs and extending the time spent studying abroad up to a full academic year; provided, however that the amount not exceed one thousand dollars. A recipient of this scholarship may concurrently receive with such award any other academic or general award for which he or she may be eligible provided however in no event shall the
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01623-01-7
S. 2379 2
combination of all such awards exceed the individual recipient's cost of attendance at the abroad institution.
4. Eligibility. For the purposes of this section an "individual" shall mean a person:
a. in good standing at an institution of higher education recognized and approved by the regents or the university of the state of New York which provides a course of study leading to the granting of a post-secondary degree or diploma; and
b. accepted for up to one academic year of study on a program of study abroad approved for credit by the student's home institution; and
c. receiving any need-based student assistance or financial aid under article thirteen of this chapter; and
d. receiving moneys from the federally funded Benjamin A. Gilman International scholarship; and
e. who is a citizen or national of the United States.
5. Application and selection. Scholarship application and selection shall be carried out through the institutions. In considering applications for the scholarship under this section the institution shall consider the financial need of the individual, including the increased costs of study abroad.
§ 2. The sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000), or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to the New York state higher education services corporation out of any moneys in the state treasury to the credit of the state purposes account not otherwise appropriated for services and expenses of the corporation, to provide state matching funds for the purposes of exclusively carrying out the provisions of this act.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
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 (UR), 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
2015-2016: Referred to Finance 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.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.