SIGN THIS PETITION TO SUPPORT THE EXPANSION OF THE NYS TAP PROGRAM’S ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA BEFORE MARCH 31ST TO INCLUDE PART-TIME STUDENTS. 

The NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition for higher education at approved schools. The TAP program is currently only available to students who are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours a semester. An additional 75,000 part-time students can be helped annually if the TAP program receives funding in the New York State executive budget. It is crucial for our state’s legislators to expand the eligibility criteria to include part-time students.   

It is important to expand access to TAP for part-time students as TAP currently does not support individuals who cannot sustain a full-time course load. This includes students with disabilities, individuals of a lower socioeconomic status, single parents, and individuals with mental health concerns. It is imperative to be a voice for this group of students and support their ability to participate in higher education. Supporting diversity in higher education will lead to a more diverse workforce, further supporting minority and marginalized groups. Additionally, higher education is correlated to improvements in an individual’s quality of life and allows them to be an integral part of one’s community.  

If additional funding is not included for part-time students, the most at-risk and vulnerable populations will not receive the support necessary to continue their higher education goals.  

Please sign this petition to support the expansion of the NYS TAP program’s eligibility criteria before March 31st to include Part-Time students and improve New York State’s overall quality of life.  

-Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Class of 2022 

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.nga.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/broadband-main-teaser-720x600.jpg