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Expanding Access to Education

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Expanding Access to Education
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Providing Every Student the Opportunity to Succeed

Pre-K through College: Expanding Access to Quality Education

Governor Cuomo has led the nation in ensuring that all students, from our youngest pre-kindergarteners to our college students, have the opportunity to succeed.

Now in New York State, more students are able to access a college education than ever before, as the Governor has helped to alleviate the financial burden of higher education with programs like the Excelsior Scholarship, which provides cost-free tuition at New York’s public college and universities. Additionally, the Enacted FY 2020 Budget implements and fully funds the DREAM Act; once and for all ensuring a higher education system that opens the door of opportunity to all of our children.

For our younger students, education aid has increased by 43 percent since Governor Cuomo took office, ensuring the progress made to strengthen educational outcomes continues.

Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, the high school graduation rate has increased every year and has now reached the highest level in state history, proving that in New York State, we put students first and work to ensure every student is empowered to achieve his or her dreams.

Laying the Foundation for Our Future

Education

NYS Master Teacher Program

Responding to the call to strengthen our K-12 STEM education, NY rewards the best & brightest educators with a 4-year, $15,000 stipend to encourage teachers to build a strong foundation of student success.

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Affordable Internet for Low-Income Families

As proposed in the 2021 State of the State Address, Governor Cuomo signed legislation requiring providers to offer $15/month high-speed internet to eligible households.

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The Excelsior Scholarship

Tuition-Free College for New York's Middle Class

Beginning in Fall 2017
The first-in-the-nation plan will be phased in over three years, beginning for New Yorkers making up to $100,000 annually in the fall of 2017, increasing to $110,000 in 2018, and reaching $125,000 in 2019.
Eliminating the Crushing Burden of Student Loans
Making New York State's public universities tuition-free will alleviate the financial stresses of student loans and put more New Yorkers on a path to financial security.
Promoting On Time Completion
By making college affordable, the Excelsior Scholarship Program will encourage more students to graduate on time and will grow the number of graduates from our public universities.
Tuition-Free College

First-in-the-Nation Excelsior Scholarship

https://www.youtube.com/embed/WPrNulhbf9Q

Equipping Every New Yorker for the Jobs of Tomorrow

'Enough is Enough' Law

Protecting Students from Sexual Assault on College Campuses

Most aggressive policy in the nation
Signed into law by Governor Cuomo in 2015, New York made a clear and bold statement that sexual violence is a crime, and students have the right to have it investigated and prosecuted as one.
Uniform Sexual Assault Policy
All public and private colleges must adopt a set of comprehensive procedures and guidelines, including a uniform definition of affirmative consent, statewide amnesty policy, and expanded access to law enforcement.
Comprehensive Review of Compliance
The statewide inspection will ensure that all colleges and universities are fulfilling their obligations under the law to protect students from sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.
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Investing in Our Teachers, Our Students and Our Schools

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Learn more about what the state is doing to improve education and other issues important to New Yorkers.

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