File #: Res 0843-2025    Version: * Name: NYSED and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to prepare posters and pamphlets to ensure that foster youth are made aware of the higher education financial resources available to them (A5658A/S378).
Type: Resolution Status: Committee
Committee: Committee on Children and Youth
On agenda: 4/10/2025
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass, and the Governor to sign, A5658A/S378, which directs the New York State Education Department and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to prepare posters and pamphlets to ensure that foster youth are made aware of the higher education financial resources available to them
Sponsors: Althea V. Stevens, Mercedes Narcisse, Tiffany Cabán
Council Member Sponsors: 3
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 843, 2. April 10, 2025 - Stated Meeting Agenda

Res No. 843

Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass, and the Governor to sign, A5658A/S378, which directs the New York State Education Department and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to prepare posters and pamphlets to ensure that foster youth are made aware of the higher education financial resources available to them

By Council Members Stevens, Narcisse and Cabán

Whereas, Children who have spent time in the child welfare system face unique challenges in educational settings, including a lack of financial and emotional support that negatively impacts their school enrollment, academic performance, and graduation rates; and

Whereas, According to the National Foster Youth Institute, nationwide only about 5 percent of foster youth graduate from a four-year college and 2 to 6 percent complete a degree from a two-year college; and

Whereas, The rising cost of higher education makes access to financial aid critical for foster youth in New York State, yet many remain unaware of available funding opportunities; and

Whereas, Many former, current, and prospective students, as well as admissions and financial aid staff at public higher education institutions, may not be adequately informed about financial resources specifically designated for foster youth; and

Whereas, New York State Assembly Bill A5658A, sponsored by Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman, and its companion legislation, New York State Senate Bill S378, sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk, seek to increase awareness of these funding opportunities by requiring the New York State Education Department and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to develop and distribute informational materials about financial aid resources available to foster youth; and

Whereas, On February 24, 2025 the New York State Senate passed Senate Bill S378, demonstrating legislative support for this critical initiative; and

Whereas, Ensuring widespread access to this information will help foster youth overcome financial barriers, encourage them to pursue higher education, and improve college enrollment and graduation rates among this vulnerable population; and

Whereas, Providing students, educators, and families with written materials outlining funding opportunities and eligibility requirements will inform and empower foster youth to make informed decisions about their educational future; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Assembly to pass, and the Governor to sign, A5658A/S378, which directs the New York State Education Department and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to prepare posters and pamphlets to ensure that foster youth are made aware of the higher education financial resources available to them

 

EA

LS 19004

3/24/25