Makes tuition free for New York state residents serving as volunteer firefighters at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges.
Summary
Bill A05824 proposes to amend the education law in New York to provide free tuition and fees for students who are active volunteer firefighters attending state-operated institutions, including SUNY, CUNY, and community colleges. The program is designed to support volunteer firefighters by alleviating the financial burden of higher education while encouraging their continued service. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA and complete their degree within a specified timeframe to retain their tuition waiver, with provisions for converting the waiver into a loan if requirements are not met.
Impact
The bill will significantly impact state education funding and the financial structure of SUNY, CUNY, and community colleges by introducing a new tuition waiver program specifically for volunteer firefighters. This could lead to increased enrollment among volunteer firefighters and potentially alter the financial landscape of these institutions as they adapt to accommodate the program's requirements and funding mechanisms. Additionally, it may encourage more individuals to become volunteer firefighters, thereby enhancing community emergency services.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A05824 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those who advocate for volunteer firefighters and educational access. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for state education budgets and the administration of the program, especially regarding the conversion of tuition waivers into loans for non-compliant students.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential financial burden on state education funding and the feasibility of maintaining the program's requirements, such as the GPA and service duration. Some stakeholders may argue that the program could divert resources from other educational initiatives or create disparities among students who do not qualify as volunteer firefighters. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of support for students who may struggle to balance academic and firefighting responsibilities.
Establishes a statewide program to provide free SUNY, CUNY, and community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical services providers, and volunteer auxiliary police officers.
Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.
Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.
Makes tuition free for New York state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools and community colleges; requires state residency and employment for a period of five years after completion of academic program.
Creates a volunteer firefighter scholarship program and a volunteer firefighter scholarship fund; rewards volunteer firefighters who respond to twenty-five percent of emergency calls for eight years with a student loan award equal to four times the SUNY tuition rate; makes an appropriation therefor.
Establishes a statewide program to provide free SUNY, CUNY, and community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical services providers, and volunteer auxiliary police officers.
Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.
Grants volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians academic credit at state operated institutions of the state university of New York and the senior colleges of the city university of New York to the extent of three academic credits per year, and 6 credits in the aggregate; provides that no fee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician who qualifies for such credit; directs the board of trustees of the state university and the city university of New York to adopt necessary procedures.