What's happening
This bill expands eligibility for the NYS STEM incentive program to include more types of colleges, not just public institutions.
Why it matters
Broadens access to STEM scholarships. By expanding eligibility to include all "colleges" as defined in Education Law (not just public institutions), this bill could allow students attending private and other non-public colleges in New York to receive the STEM incentive, increasing the pool of beneficiaries.
May increase STEM workforce diversity. More students from varied educational backgrounds—including those attending private colleges—could pursue STEM careers, potentially leading to a more diverse and competitive STEM workforce in the state.
Potential fiscal implications. With more students eligible for STEM awards, state expenditures on the program could rise, which may impact budget planning or require additional funding allocations.
Could encourage private colleges to enhance STEM offerings. As their students become eligible for the incentive, private institutions may have greater motivation to invest in or expand their STEM programs, benefiting the state’s overall educational ecosystem.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Expand STEM Scholarship Eligibility
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to higher education
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7238
IN SENATE
January 4, 2018
Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the New York state science, technology, engineering and mathematics incentive program
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 669-e of the education law, as added by section 1 of part G of chapter 56 of the laws of 2014, is amended to read as follows:
1. Undergraduate students who are matriculated in an approved undergraduate program leading to a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics at a New York state [public institution of higher education] college as defined in subdivision two of section six hundred one of this title shall be eligible for an award under this section, provided the applicant: (a) graduates from a high school located in New York state during or after the two thousand thirteen--fourteen school year; and (b) graduates within the top ten percent of his or her high school class; and (c) enrolls in full-time study each term beginning in the fall term after his or her high school graduation in an approved undergraduate program in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, as defined by the corporation, at a New York state [public institution of higher education] college as defined in subdivision two of section six hundred one of this title; and (d) signs a contract with the corporation agreeing that his or her award will be converted to a student loan in the event the student fails to comply with the terms of this program as set forth in subdivision four of this section; and (e) complies with the applicable provisions of this article and all requirements promulgated by the corporation for the administration of the program.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00938-04-8
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 the New York state science, technology, engineering and mathematics incen- tive 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 math- ematics 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 grad- uates 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 schol- arship 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
2017 S.2466A Veto 207); 2015-16 S.523/A.3610; 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 resi- dent students to attend any New York State college or university.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.