New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08356

Introduced
6/4/25  

Caption

Expands the New York opportunity promise scholarship to include all SUNY AND CUNY approved programs which award certain associate's degrees.

Impact

The proposed changes in S08356 could significantly impact existing education laws by facilitating access to higher education in essential workforce areas. The bill seeks to address issues of educational equity and responds to the pressing demands of the job market. As the labor market evolves, the ability to attract and train talent in critical sectors through such scholarship programs may bolster New York's economic resilience and growth. If successfully implemented, the bill may significantly affect the enrollment dynamics within SUNY and CUNY, as more students will be incentivized to pursue degrees in in-demand fields.

Summary

Bill S08356 aims to broaden the New York Opportunity Promise Scholarship, extending eligibility to students enrolled in any approved programs within the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) that culminate in an associate's degree. This expansion is strategic, targeting high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and nursing, thereby aiming to enhance the workforce's skills and meet labor market needs in New York. By including a broader array of programs, the bill seeks to increase accessibility to education opportunities for students in various economic situations.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for expanding educational opportunities, potential points of contention may arise over funding and resource allocation. Questions about how the bill will be financed and what provisions will be put in place to ensure that the program does not inadvertently compromise the quality of education could emerge during legislative discussions. Critics might also raise concerns regarding the sufficiency of job placements following graduation and whether the expanded scholarship criteria effectively respond to the nuanced needs of different communities across the state.

Companion Bills

NY A08704

Same As Expands the New York opportunity promise scholarship to include all SUNY AND CUNY approved programs which award certain associate's degrees.

Previously Filed As

NY A00946

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; provides criteria for eligibility, and limits on amounts and durations for any such awards.

NY S01287

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; provides criteria for eligibility, and limits on amounts and durations for any such awards.

NY S03490

Establishes the New York nurse expansion program which provides awards to undergraduate students who are matriculated in an approved undergraduate program leading to a career in nursing at a New York state public or private degree granting institution of higher education.

NY A01454

Expands the Doctors Across New York program to include dentists.

NY S04334

Expands the Doctors Across New York program to include dentists.

NY S06280

Relates to the funding of certain CUNY programs by the state including the city university of New York's accelerated study in associate programs (ASAP) and the accelerate, complete, engage (ACE) program; provides state shall pay until both programs are fully funded.

NY A03249

Requires the establishment of a composting program at the state university of New York, the city university of New York and institutions subject to the jurisdiction of SUNY or CUNY.

NY S05713

Requires the establishment of a composting program at the state university of New York, the city university of New York and institutions subject to the jurisdiction of SUNY or CUNY.

NY S01837

Relates to tuition scholarship award programs for certain resident and non-resident medical students attending approved medical programs on a full-time basis.

NY A01387

Relates to tuition scholarship award programs for certain resident and non-resident medical students attending approved medical programs on a full-time basis.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.