Relates to establishing the Gold Award and Eagle Scout achievement scholarship; authorizes a scholarship of $500 per year for high school graduates attending a New York state public post-secondary institution who have achieved a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America or an Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.
Summary
This bill establishes a new state scholarship program for New York high school graduates who earn either the Girl Scouts Gold Award or the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout rank. Eligible students must enroll full-time in an approved undergraduate program at a New York public post-secondary institution beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year or later, and must provide proof of the award from a council located in New York State.
The scholarship would provide $500 per year, subject to available appropriations, for up to four academic years of undergraduate study, or up to five years for degree programs that normally require five years. The award may be applied toward the student’s total cost of attendance for federal Title IV aid purposes. The bill also authorizes the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation to adopt rules and emergency regulations to implement the program.
Impact
The bill would add a new section to the Education Law creating a state-funded scholarship targeted to a narrow group of students with recognized scouting achievements. It would affect the Higher Education Services Corporation’s administrative responsibilities and would create a new financial aid benefit for eligible students attending public colleges and universities in New York. Because the program is contingent on appropriations, its practical impact would depend on funding provided by the Legislature.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be presented as a straightforward supportive scholarship proposal rather than a controversial policy change. Its framing suggests positive recognition of youth leadership, service, and achievement through scouting, with no documented opposition or amendment activity in the available record.
Contention
The main policy distinction embedded in the bill is its exclusive eligibility criteria: it benefits only students who earned a Gold Award or Eagle Scout rank and who attend New York public post-secondary institutions. That narrow scope could raise questions about equity, access, and whether similar recognition should be extended to other youth achievement programs, but no specific objections are recorded in the provided materials. Another practical point is that the scholarship amount is modest and dependent on appropriations, which may limit its reach even if enacted.
Same As
Relates to establishing the Gold Award and Eagle Scout achievement scholarship; authorizes a scholarship of $500 per year for high school graduates attending a New York state public post-secondary institution who have achieved a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America or an Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.
Relates to establishing the Gold Award and Eagle Scout achievement scholarship; authorizes a scholarship of $500 per year for high school graduates attending a New York state public post-secondary institution who have achieved a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America or an Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.
Authorizes an appropriate school administrator to allow an official member or members of Scouting America and Girl Scouts of the USA, upon request, to enter the school for the purpose of Scouting America and Girl Scouts of the USA recruitment.