The Schenectady County Legislature passed a resolution last night to provide $1,000,000 to SUNY Schenectady County Community College for the Fall 2024 semester to help students cover the gap between financial aid and tuition and fees through the Schenectady County Higher Education Promise pilot program. The funding will be available to Schenectady County residents taking credit-bearing courses at SUNY Schenectady starting this fall, to cover a maximum of six credit hours per student, and additional funding for the 2-year pilot program will be included in the 2025 County budget.
“The Schenectady County Higher Education Promise pilot program is designed to help students overcome the financial barriers to higher education,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The Legislature is proud to support SUNY Schenectady with increased operational funding and historic investments in its facilities and equipment, to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed. This program builds on that investment, making it easier for Schenectady County residents to access the credited classes offered at SUNY Schenectady as they pursue their higher educational goals and prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
“The Schenectady County Higher Education Promise is an amazing investment in the residents of Schenectady County, allowing more students to follow their dreams through the County’s tremendous show of support for them,” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of SUNY Schenectady. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Schenectady County residents to take courses, pursue their professional goals, grow personally and professionally, and become part of the SUNY Schenectady community where we pride ourselves on empowering our students to succeed. Through Promise, students who might not otherwise be able to attend college due to financial barriers, will now have a clear path to higher education, and that is a wonderful thing. We are grateful to the leaders of Schenectady County for having the vision to offer its residents this pipeline to an excellent education.”
Schenectady County Higher Education Promise
The Schenectady County Higher Education Promise is a two-year pilot program between Schenectady County and SUNY Schenectady, providing $1.5 million per year, or $3 million total, to fill the gap between financial aid and tuition and fees for up to six credit hours per student. Students must be residents of Schenectady County to apply for this funding, which will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Courses may be taken all at once or spread over the Fall and Spring semesters and would be available to new, continuing, and returning students. At least 800 students are expected to benefit from this program in the 2024-25 academic year.