NY Boosts SUNY Service Corps with $200K to Aid Struggling Families
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has allocated an extra $200,000 to expand the SUNY Empire State Service Corps. The funding will support more students in helping families at risk of losing essential benefits. This move follows the programme’s success in addressing news today and other community needs across the state.
The SUNY Empire State Service Corps launched in May 2024 with an initial budget of $2.75 million. Its first cohort of over 500 students, drawn from 45 SUNY campuses, completed more than 100,000 service hours in the 2024-25 year. These students assisted over 70,000 residents through K-12 tutoring, SNAP outreach, mental health support, and sustainability projects.
During the federal government shutdown, the programme stepped in to help New Yorkers facing cuts to food-assistance benefits. At Binghamton University, students assembled over 560 meal kits for struggling families. The initiative also focuses on civic engagement, hate and bias prevention, and FAFSA completion.
Participants commit at least 300 hours to paid community service. In return, they qualify for an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of up to $1,500. Demand for the programme has outpaced available spots, reflecting strong student interest.
New York recently joined the Service Year Alliance, a national effort to expand paid service opportunities. The additional $200,000 from Hochul will now allow the Corps to bring on more students and extend support to vulnerable families.
The extra funding will increase the number of students serving communities across New York. These efforts will continue to target food insecurity, education gaps, and other critical needs. The programme’s growth aligns with broader state and national goals to expand paid service roles.
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