For the 20,000 children in the New York State foster care system, a college education often seems both unaffordable and unattainable. That’s why Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) made it a priority to include $1.5 million for a foster youth college initiative in the Assembly’s budget proposal. These funds will help foster kids enter college and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed in their education (A.6003).

“Growing up without a home is hard enough,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Providing foster children with educational opportunities and ensuring they succeed will help increase their chances of obtaining necessary job skills, good employment and the ability to build a successful future.”

Time and again, statistics show the sad reality of how current and former foster youth are at a risk of becoming homeless, incarcerated, unemployed or unskilled, and are more likely to become pregnant at a younger age. One in five experience homelessness after the age 18; only 50 percent will be employed by age 24; and an alarming 71 percent will be pregnant or already a parent by age 21.¹ These children are also more likely to experience physical, emotional and developmental challenges.

“Only 2 percent of the children in foster care are able to attain a baccalaureate degree,” noted Joseph Geglia, Executive Director at Elmcrest Children’s Center in Syracuse. “We have youngsters who can get admitted to college but often don’t have the supports or funds available to enjoy and make the most of their learning experience. The money in this bill will provide for stipends, transportation and mentors to support children transitioning from Foster Care to college the way parents support their children during their college years. We would urge its passage. ”

Assemblyman Stirpe also advocated for a budget proposal that would help expand opportunities for all of New York’s students. In total, the Assembly’s plan would increase the maximum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award by $150, bringing the total award to $5,315 per full-time student, to help more students afford college, and invests $462 million in capital funding for SUNY.

Please click here to view a video clip of Assemblyman Stirpe discussing this proposal.

¹ http://www.fysany.org/policy-initiatives