As the new school year rapidly approaches, incoming seniors will be faced with making some tough decisions that will have a big impact on their lives. Deciding where to go to college can be very stressful, so it’s important that seniors start planning early. Many students going through this difficult process must also consider the cost of college. That’s why it’s critical that students and their families learn about the resources available to help pay for college so they can make the decision that best suits them.

There are a wide variety of grants available, both on the state and federal level. Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need and can help lessen the burden that the cost of college puts on students and their families. Additionally, New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) can help cover tuition costs for in-state residents who attend college in New York. I encourage all students interested in attending college to visit fafsa.ed.gov and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so they don’t miss out on available financial aid.

Students can also take advantage of the many valuable scholarship opportunities available to them. The New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS) provides merit-based scholarships to students who excel in academics and plan to attend college in New York. The NY STEM Incentive Program provides full SUNY tuition scholarships to the top 10 percent of students in each New York high school if they pursue a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree and agree to work in a relevant field in the state for five years after graduation. Visit hesc.ny.gov to learn about these, as well as many other scholarship and grant opportunities.

A college degree is an important investment in our children’s future, and every student, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to pursue one. While there are certainly options for students who do not wish to attend college, a higher education can increase earning potential and improve job prospects.

I’ve always fought to make higher education more attainable and more affordable for all students. This year, I helped pass a state budget that increased support for SUNY community colleges by $100 per full-time equivalent student (FTE), for a total of $2,597 per FTE student. Additionally, the budget included a 20 percent increase for opportunity programs like EOP and HEOP, as well as $605 million in capital funding to improve SUNY facilities and help create a stronger learning environment for students.

A quality education is the key to success, and I will continue doing all that I can to give our students the opportunities they deserve. As always, my door is open. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us, or by calling 452-1115.