New York State Assembly

A large part of the American Dream is to get a quality education and become a productive member of the community. A good education opens doors. It sets the foundation for a successful future and prepares us for the challenges that arise over the course of a lifetime. The true value of an education is that it helps us understand the world around us and provides a path for us to achieve our dreams. Having spent time as an educator, I have always felt that we should continue to expand our minds even after we leave the classroom and are no longer students.

Pamela Araya is one example of how education can help bridge the gap between goals and results. The Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) FLCC Connects blog tells the story of how Araya combined her love of art and her considerable skills to produce the children's book, "The ABCs of What I Could Be." She tells of how the school's admissions office helped her get started and how instructor, Paul Engin, Assistant Professor Sarah Morgan and Associate Professor Elizabeth Brownell helped inspire her. Her story is a great example of the benefits of education and how it can help to achieve a dream. Visit the FLCC website to see more about Araya and what the school has to offer. Her story highlights something we should all be aware of - the value of an education and the process of learning.

PROVIDING A PATH TO QUALITY EDUCATION

Empowering our children to succeed in the future includes helping to make the dream of an affordable college education a reality. Let's face it, the cost of higher education has skyrocketed and put an increased amount of financial pressure on families and students.

I have introduced the Affordable College Education Scholarship (ACES) pilot program (A. 7515) which would allow up to 1,000 eligible students a year (for four years) to earn a bachelor's degree at a participating institution within New York at a cost no higher than $10,000.

The program contains qualifying requirements, including a provision that students must be legal residents of the state, graduate from a New York State high school program and meet income eligibility requirements. Higher education is critical to our economic future. Rising costs continue to hinder opportunities for potential students, and new graduates continue to face mounting college debt - inhibiting their financial ability to pursue entrepreneurial dreams. Programs like ACES can help create a more affordable pathway to a college education.

YOUR SUCCESS, NEW YORK'S SUCCESS

Education is a team effort. From parents who provide a nurturing home environment in which to learn, to teachers who pass on the knowledge and skills the students are expected to retain, to administrators who help guide our students and our schools, everyone has an important role in a child's education.

When all of these parts are working together we see real results. A good education is the foundation for a healthy and productive life and leads to jobs that support families. These, in turn, create the communities in which we live. Trade schools, manufacturing jobs, farming, education, professional careers and more are the backbone of New York. Together we can achieve our goals, and together we can grow. Best wishes for an enjoyable and productive year of academic adventure. May the learning continue for a lifetime.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.