NY S09185

Creates a New York DREAM fund commission composed of 12 members appointed by state leadership to advance educational opportunities for children of immigrants, funded entirely by private contributions with no state funds appropriated.

Establishes the New York DREAM fund to raise money for scholarships for students who are children of immigrants, including training programs for high school counselors and admissions officers on educational opportunities available to these students.

Amends education law to allow undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens, permanent lawful residents, lawful non-immigrant aliens, or applicants without lawful immigration status to receive financial aid if they attended a New York high school for two or more years and graduated within five years (ten years for graduate students).

Requires students without lawful immigration status to file an affidavit stating they have applied or will apply to legalize their immigration status to be eligible for awards and financial assistance.

Modifies the 529 college savings program to allow use of taxpayer identification numbers in addition to social security numbers for account owners and designated beneficiaries, with grandfather provisions for existing accounts.