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S 5653

Expands eligibility for the New York state excelsior scholarship award to certain applicants enrolled on a part-time basis or in a BOCES or other approved vocational program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Ashby and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 5653 expands New York's Excelsior Scholarship to include part-time and vocational students, enhancing access to financial aid for diverse educational paths.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 5653

Summary of Bill S 5653

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5653 aims to expand the eligibility criteria for the New York State Excelsior Scholarship Award. This scholarship program is designed to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. The bill specifically seeks to include applicants who are enrolled on a part-time basis or those participating in approved vocational programs, such as those offered by BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services).

Key Provisions

  • Expanded Eligibility: The bill proposes to allow part-time students and those enrolled in vocational programs to qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship. Previously, eligibility was primarily limited to full-time students in traditional degree programs.
  • Vocational Program Inclusion: The inclusion of students in BOCES or other approved vocational programs recognizes the importance of vocational education and aims to support a broader range of educational pathways.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be part-time students and those enrolled in vocational training programs, providing them with greater access to financial support for their education.
  • Educational Institutions: Colleges, universities, and vocational training centers may see an increase in enrollment as more students become eligible for financial assistance.
  • State Education System: The bill could lead to a more diverse educational landscape, encouraging a wider array of students to pursue higher education and vocational training.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation

This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions, including:
- S 5821
- A 7486
- S 4091
- S 1287
- A 5063 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide additional context or amendments that could influence the discussion and potential passage of S 5653.

Conclusion

Bill S 5653 represents a significant step towards making higher education more accessible in New York by broadening the scope of the Excelsior Scholarship. By including part-time students and those in vocational programs, the bill aims to support a diverse range of educational pursuits, ultimately benefiting the state's workforce and economy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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