Bill Announces Expanding Excelsior Scholarships

MIDDLETOWN – Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) and Senator Jen Metzger (D-42) are announcing that they have introduced new legislation (A7486/S5821) to expand the Excelsior Scholarship Program to part-time students attending State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) institutions. The bill would also extend eligibility to full- and part-time students enrolled in a Board of Educational Services (BOCES) or any other approved SUNY or CUNY vocational program.

Jacobson said, “A person’s finances should not dictate whether or not they can pursue an education. But the unfortunate truth is that many students cannot afford to attend school full-time because they also need to support themselves with a job—particularly those who are already in he workforce and want to back to school to improve their skills or learn new ones. The legislation I have introduced will allow more New Yorkers to earn a degree or acquire training on a more realistic schedule, while allowing them to meet their financial responsibilities.

Unfortunately, when someone decides to go back to school, their bills do not magically disappear.”

Current law allows full-time students to receive $5,500 per year through the Excelsior program.

This bill would allow part-time students to receive up to $2,750 per year as they are pursuing either a two-, four-, or five-year degree. If circumstances force them to end their studies, students will not be penalized.

Senator Metzger said, “We have an urgent need here in New York to address the affordability crisis facing current and future college students, and the legislation I sponsor with Assemblymember Jacobson to extend the Excelsior Program to part-time students seeks to do just that. Every young person in New York deserves access to higher education without having to sacrifice putting food on the table or being forced to take on unsustainable student debt. This is not a problem that we can solve overnight, but I think we can all agree that allowing part-time students to benefit from tuition assistance under the Excelsior Program will make college more accessible for many more students than the program does today.”

Dr. Robert DuFour, Superintendent of Sullivan BOCES wrote, “This is a tremendous opportunity, especially for our adult learners. Very often, people can’t go to college. Their jobs get in the way. Excelsior scholarships are wonderful, but their requirements are very stringent.

By making this available to part-time students and adult learners who can attend a certificated program at BOCES, we’re going to open up new options to improve our regional work force and build our economies.”

Dr. William Hecht, Superintendent of Orange-Ulster BOCES, was unable to attend, but wrote,

“As a provider of adult education programs, Orange-Ulster BOCES fully supports the expansion of the Excelsior Scholarship Program. Many of our current and prospective adult students are looking for a nearby, practical route to furthering their education. They must pursue further education on a part-time basis in order to continue supporting themselves and their families. The expansion of this program would enable many more adults to achieve their dreams and to ultimately lead better lives.”

Rockland BOCES Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mary Jean Marsico also wrote to say, “Expanding Excelsior to include BOCES programs will make it easier for many adult learners to continue their education without a crushing financial burden. As we all know, the students most in need of financial help are not currently eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship. BOCES are economic engines for our communities, and this measure will help to keep our programs affordable to our residents.”

Jacobson and Metzger made their announcement at the Middletown campus of SUNY Orange, where they were joined by Sullivan BOCES Superintendent, Dr. Robert DuFour; Orange-Ulster BOCES Assistant Superintendent, Terry Reynolds; and Dutchess BOCES Superintendent, Dr. Richard Hooley, and Administrator for Adult Education, Elizabeth Hayter. Frederick Watson, President of the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees, Trustee Tom Hunter, and Orange County Legislators, Minority Leader, Michael Paduch, and Joel Sierra were also in attendance.