ASSEMBLYMAN HIKIND LAUDS NY STATE
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP) INCREASE

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) applauded New York State’s increased funding for the maximum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award—the first such increase in 14 years. Having played a prominent role in making TAP available to income-eligible, post-secondary rabbinical college students to help offset the cost of their tuition, Hikind says the increase is a welcome boost.

New York allocates more than $1 billion for grants and scholarships for New York students seeking higher education at public or private colleges or universities in the State, Hikind pointed out. “I was delighted to help change New York State’s Education Law enabling many students in yeshivos gedolos to participate in the Tuition Assistance Program,” he said.

The maximum TAP award has increased from $5,000 to $5,165, available to New York State residents who attend any public or private college or university in the State.

“Three years ago, we sent a message that the State of New York finds a rabbinical education to be equivalent to that of a secular college education. That accomplishment was the result of hard work from many legislators and askanim who were instrumental in lobbying for the passage of this bill. When our community works with government, great things can be accomplished and I look forward to helping facilitate more of the same this year.”

To participate in TAP, a student must be either a citizen of the United States, a “green card” holder, or a refugee admitted into the United States by the U.S. Attorney General. The student must also meet the income eligibility requirements of the program; be a full time undergraduate student enrolled in a program that lasts at least three years; be a resident of New York State; be in good academic standing; not be in default in repayment of any student loan; and be enrolled in and attending an eligible yeshiva.

Eligible yeshivas include those that are exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; are physically located within New York State; are eligible to receive federal Pell grants; are accredited by A.A.R.T.S. or another accrediting agency recognized by the federal government; and that are providing a program of instruction for at least three years.

In addition to the award increase, students who qualify as an orphan, foster child or ward of the court for the purposes of federal student financial aid programs will now be considered dependent students for the purpose of determining their TAP awards, making them eligible for the maximum award. This means some of the highest-need students can potentially receive an additional $2,140 per year.

Contact: Yehudah Meth
718-853-9616 (office)
973-945-4903 (cell)

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