New York State will fund the tuition of college students and their families who make less than $125,000.

This is a huge victory for HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS), which is a non-profit supporting and empowering over 6,000 New Yorkers in need, including the City’s most vulnerable youth. We especially take pride in how we help older youth aging out of the foster care system.

Since 1997, our American Dream Program (ADP) has helped young men and women in foster care access higher education. Today, ADP offers 50 enrolled scholars tuition assistance, a MetroCard and a stipend, but most importantly, support and guidance to navigate the complexity of college academics, financial aid, housing, internships and prospective career paths.

Last year, HSVS pledged that it would have 100 enrolled scholars by 2020. Many of our scholars attend SUNY and CUNY schools, so with the Excelsior Scholarship, HSVS will be able to exceed that goal.

To learn more about how to get involved with our American Dream Program, please contact lauren.pettiette@heartshare.org.

Meet four of our American Dream Scholars.