NY A09131

Creates a 4-year pilot scholarship program for current and former foster care youth aged 16-23 who have been in foster care for 9+ months after age 16 or adopted after age 16

Covers tuition, mandatory fees, and non-tuition costs (room, board, transportation, books, supplies, personal expenses) for eligible students at approved in-state undergraduate or vocational training programs

Awards for SUNY/CUNY students equal actual tuition, fees, and non-tuition costs; awards for private institutions capped at equivalent SUNY four-year college rates

Limits awards to 8 semesters (4 years) for undergraduate programs or 4 semesters (2 years) for vocational programs of at least 320 clock hours

Requires program evaluation at 2 and 4 years measuring retention and degree completion rates, including comparison of outcomes for students with and without access to education opportunity program support services