Narrative of Resolution:
To enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Sullivan County Community College to continue the Sullivan Promise Tuition-Free Scholarship Program for the 2024-2025 academic year at SUNY Sullivan. end
title
If Resolution requires expenditure of County Funds, provide the following information:
Amount to be authorized by Resolution: $700,000 ($700,000 is budgeted for 2024)
Are funds already budgeted? No
Specify Compliance with Procurement Procedures: N/A
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ENTER INTO A MOA WITH SULLIVAN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO CONTINUE SULLIVAN PROMISE TUITION-FREE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
WHEREAS, on April 21, 2022, via Resolution No. 185-22, the Sullivan County Legislature authorized a contract with SUNY Sullivan to establish the Sullivan Promise Tuition-free Scholarship program, and thus far the program has been extremely successful; and
WHEREAS, Sullivan County ranks 30th in New York State for Associate’s Degree attainment; and
WHEREAS, college degree attainment has many positive impacts on individuals and their communities, and
WHEREAS, SUNY Sullivan offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs to help develop a strong workforce in Sullivan County,
WHEREAS, since 1965, SUNY Sullivan has awarded more than 14,500 degrees to graduates, most of whom have established meaningful careers throughout Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, SUNY Sullivan was ranked number one among New York State community colleges in 2021 by Intelligent.com; and
WHEREAS, the college has been ranked one of the Top 10 community colleges in New York State by both BestColleges.com and EDSMart.org; and
WHEREAS, the cost of tuition is often a barrier that prevents students from enrolling in college; and
WHEREAS, more than one in ten people who have student loans, continue to owe on those loans for over ten years. This prolonged debt can often delay or prevent people from buying a home or starting a business; and
WHEREAS, there is a desire among the Sullivan County Legislature to continue this partnership for the academic year of 2024-2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature hereby authorizes the County Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with SUNY Sullivan at an amount not to exceed $700,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year at SUNY Sullivan for eligible students.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this contract in such a form shall be approved by the Sullivan County Attorney’s Office.