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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Board of Trustees at SUNY Schenectady County Community College passed a resolution to take a proactive role in assisting students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by offering them the New York State tuition rate.
The resolution comes following a decision by the SUNY Board of Trustees to authorize its state-operated colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition for the current academic year to students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been displaced by Hurricanes Maria and Irma, following a directive by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
“What happened in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has been devastating and heart-wrenching for so many people, including students trying to pursue higher education and fulfill their dreams,” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of SUNY SCCC. “By offering those students in-state tuition, we are helping to ease their burden and assist them in reaching their goals.”
“We’re proud to be part of the SUNY system and respond to this tremendous need among students from areas that were hard hit by Hurricanes Maria and Irma,” said Ann Fleming Brown, Chair of the SUNY SCCC Board of Trustees. “Their lives have been upended, and we are hoping that we can ease some of the burden associated with their college costs so that they can get back on track.”
“Thank you Governor Cuomo for your leadership in allowing our community college to provide this invaluable support to our fellow citizens from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Gary Hughes, Schenectady County Legislator and Member of the SUNY SCCC Board of Trustees. “Schenectady County has a proud history of helping our friends and neighbors in need when tragedy strikes, and those displaced as a result of Hurricane Maria will be welcome in our communities and receive the needed support to further their academic careers within our community college and beyond.”
Throughout the month of October, SUNY SCCC had locations across campus for members of the College community and the public to donate items as part of a community-wide donation effort in support of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The collection was coordinated in partnership with Schenectady County and Governor Cuomo’s Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico and delivered through the Governor’s supply chain.
The College and Schenectady County recently collected two truckloads of supplies including batteries, flashlights, portable lanterns, diapers, baby wipes, cases of water, and feminine hygiene products.
About SUNY Schenectady County Community College:
One of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, which is the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) enrolls more than 6,200 students annually. Located in upstate New York, SUNY SCCC offers more than 55 degree, certificate and program options. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to respond to local educational needs by providing affordable, comprehensive higher education and adult education opportunities. To learn more, visit sunysccc.edu.
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