Bill > A09131

This bill establishes a foster care higher education scholarship pilot program designed to support young adults who have been in the foster care system by providing financial assistance for higher education. The program will offer scholarships to New York state residents between 16 and 23 years old who have been in foster care for at least nine months after their 16th birthday, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and are enrolled in an approved undergraduate or vocational training program. Scholarship recipients can receive funding for tuition, mandatory fees, and non-tuition costs of attendance at state universities, community colleges, or other approved in-state institutions. The scholarship amount will be determined based on the type of institution and will not exceed the total cost of attendance minus other grants and scholarships. Recipients can receive awards for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study or four semesters of vocational training, and must maintain satisfactory academic standing and reapply each year. The program includes provisions for additional support services and requires the president to evaluate the program's effectiveness after two and four years of operation, examining factors such as retention and degree completion rates. The pilot program will be in effect for four years, after which it will be automatically repealed.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9131