Narrative of Resolution:
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To enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Sullivan County Community College to administer the Sullivan Promise Tuition-Free Scholarship Program. end
If Resolution requires expenditure of County Funds, provide the following information:
Amount to be authorized by Resolution: 300,000 ($181,147 Remaining ARPA Funds & General Fund $118,853)
Are funds already budgeted? No
Specify Compliance with Procurement Procedures: N/A
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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, individuals who complete an Associate’s Degree on average earn one-third more money over their lifetime than individuals with only a High School Diploma; and
WHEREAS, increased educational attainment has a positive correlation to individual and public health, including lower rates of cancer, heart disease, smoking, obesity, poor dental health, substance abuse disorders, and domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, an educated workforce is an important factor in economic development by attracting outside businesses to invest in an area; 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, states and counties that establish tuition free community college programs have seen substantial increases in community college enrollment and completion along with decreased student loan debt.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in order to encourage college enrollment after high school, thereby improving personal and community and economic well-being for the residents of Sullivan County, the Sullivan County Legislature does hereby establish the Sullivan Promise Tuition-free Scholarship program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature hereby authorizes the County Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Sullivan County Community College at an amount not to exceed $300,000 annually; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this program shall take effect for eligible students enrolling at SUNY Sullivan for the 2022-2023 academic year.