“Making college affordable and accessible is a fundamental cornerstone of the fair and equitable future we strive toward as New Yorkers. The Excelsior Scholarship puts the potential of our students at the forefront of higher education decision-making, and I commend Governor Cuomo for his work to level the playing field for all. Education is a great equalizer, and one of the strongest tools lower- and middle-income individuals and families have for improving their circumstances and those of others in their communities. We have already seen fantastic results from the thousands of students receiving merit-based scholarships through the New York City Council program in place for CUNY attendees, and I look forward to seeing what comes from the thousands more that will be touched by this statewide initiative.”

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