Tuition in exchange for community service
ALBANY — Assemblyman James Skoufis, D-Woodbury, is pushing a bill called Tuition-Free NY (A8585) that would provide free undergraduate tuition for all students who have been admitted to SUNY or CUNY and who fulfill requirements of community service and residency after graduation.
“Soaring college costs and high interest loans are making it more and more difficult for our students to get ahead in life. We need to change the equation so that truly affordable education is within reach for all New Yorkers.”
According to the Institute for College Access and Success, about 60 percent of students graduate with debt in New York State, with an average debt over $25,000; many leave school with considerably higher debt.
Skoufis said the Tuition-Free NY proposal would alleviate students of this growing, negative trend.
How the program would work
Students who would opt into this program would be required to perform a minimum of 250 hours of community service for each year of participation.
For students enrolled in a designated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degree program, the service requirement would be 125 hours.
Students would also be required to live and work in New York State for a period of at least five years following graduation.
“Giving an incentive to keep college graduates here in New York while we build the jobs of the future is vital to our local and state economy." Skoufis said. "Instead of each student sending tens of thousands of dollars to big bank loan lenders, that money will now be spent in our communities."
Skoufis also said that the volunteer service that would be generated by Tuition-Free NY would assist charities, nonprofits, and communities "in a way that we’ve never seen before – all making a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers.”
Reaction
Mark Hodges, a senior at Monroe-Woodbury High School headed to a SUNY himself, spoke highly of the initiative: “I would be extremely relieved if I knew I didn’t have to commit years of my life to repaying student loans. Assemblyman Skoufis’ Tuition-Free NY will increase college accessibility and affordability for so many - just what we need in our state.”
SUNY Orange President William Richards shared his support. “One of our goals at SUNY Orange is to enhance student awareness of the value of community service and civic responsibility. Tuition-Free NY will help build stronger communities here in Orange County, and we look forward to working with Assemblyman Skoufis to provide the greatest education and the best opportunity for all SUNY Orange students.”
Washingtonville PTSO member, parent and educator Jodi Davis also offered her support as well: “The cost of higher education is more overwhelming now than ever, and as a parent, my biggest concern is making sure my child doesn’t come out of college with a lifetime of student debt. Assemblyman Skoufis’ Tuition-Free NY plan is exactly what we need to lessen the burden and pressure on our students looking to go to college and instill the life skills necessary to succeed.”