“The NYS STEM Incentive Program, which I supported in the final state budget, is a crucial step toward making a college education more affordable.

“However, I believe we must do more to address the soaring cost of a college education for New York’s working families. That’s why I am pushing for Tuition-Free NY, a proposal that would provide free tuition to New York students at SUNY schools, while requiring students to fulfill community service and residency requirements. Giving more of our young people the opportunity to continue their education is a sound investment in our future.”

This statement is in response to the governor’s press release on the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program. The program provides a full SUNY tuition scholarship for the top 10 percent of New York’s high school students if they pursue a STEM degree and agree to work in a STEM field in the state for 5 years after graduation. You can view the full press release here: governor.ny.gov/press/05062014-scholarship-stem-careers.