Top-performing high school seniors can get free ride to state colleges for science studies

The New York State STEM Incentive Program, unveiled by Gov. Cuomo on Tuesday, will pay the full, four-year undergraduate tuition for high school seniors who graduate in the top 10% of their class and enroll at any State University of New York or City University of New York college campus.

By Ben Chapman, New York Daily News
Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Gov. Cuomo (center) unveiled Tuesday a new program for top-performing high school students to receive free tuition at state schools should they pursue science, technology, engineering or math fields.

New York State has become an easier place for top students to pursue high-tech careers, thanks to a new scholarship program for those who seek degrees and jobs in a STEM field.

The New York State STEM Incentive Program, unveiled by Gov. Cuomo on Tuesday, will pay the full, four-year undergraduate tuition for high school seniors who graduate in the top 10% of their class and enroll at any State University of New York or City University of New York college campus.

Scholarship recipients will have to work in a STEM field — science, technology, engineering and math — in New York for five years after graduation, or they will have to pay back the grant, which is worth up to $6,170 per year.

There will be no limit on the number of students who receive the awards. High school seniors who graduate in 2014 are the first eligible class. Applications are due Aug. 15. For more info, visit www.HESC.ny.gov.

“By helping New York’s best and brightest students launch their careers in-state and in STEM fields, we are laying the foundation for a truly world-class workforce,” Cuomo said.