Extends the duration of tuition assistance awards to five years

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic1

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Robert Jackson says this is needed

New York State funds two programs which provide need-based aid to all eligible higher education students: TAP, a state-operated financial aid program for State residents attending approved postsecondary insti- tutions in New York, and the Supplemental Tuition Assistance Program ("STAP") providing up to one additional year of aid for educationally disadvantaged students enrolled in remedial courses. STAP awards are determined in the same manner as TAP awards. It is a given fact that the Legislature has a history of endeavoring to maintain a balanced relationship between the independent and public sectors of higher educa- tion. This has been coupled with a desire to make resources available for providing students with the maximum access in all sectors of higher education. In past years, eligibility levels were increased, along with the maximum awards available to students attending New York's colleges. However, there has been no effort to increase the number of years of eligibility for these very same students. New factors have evolved during this time, including the lack of class availability for those students who hope to graduate within the "normal" four year period. Subsequently, many students have been forced to attend college for up to five years to obtain their undergraduate degree. Many students who need to work to support themselves are also forced to reduce their coursework, also prolonging their college years. New York needs to factor these circumstances into the equation when allocating TAP assistance.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.