CUOMO Offering 50 NYS Teens Fully Paid College Scholarships (Including Tuition, Room&Board) in exchange for Receiving the Jab!

New York teens have a shot at winning free college tuition if they get vaccinated against COVID.

Gov. Cuomo announced Wednesday that kids between 12 and 17 who get immunized before July 7 can enter a drawing for 50 full scholarships, including tuition and room and board, to city or state-run universities.

The state will administer the random drawing and select 10 winners a week over five weeks for a total of 50 winners in a bid to boost vaccinations among teens.

“Vaccination rates across the state are beginning to slow and our greatest need is with young New Yorkers who make up a large percent of positive cases and have the lowest vaccination percentage in the state,” Cuomo said. “To better reach this population and defeat COVID once and for all we need to get creative in our efforts.

The “Get a Shot to Make Your Future” campaign and raffle are open to any teen in the state who has already received their first dose or gets a shot in the next five weeks.

The Pfizer-manufactured vaccine was only recently approved by the federal government for those between the ages of 12 and 17.

While 55% of all eligible New Yorkers over 18 are now fully vaccinated, efforts have plateaued and teens are “by far” the lowest vaccinated age group in the state, Cuomo said.

That’s troubling since kids in the age range account for 5% of COVID tests in the state but 10% of the positive results, the largest gap of any age group, he added.

The state’s overall positivity rate is down to 0.7%, the lowest since last August, and another 17 New Yorkers died of the virus on Tuesday.

Just 8.7% of those age 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated compared with nearly 38% of the next age group, 18 to 25.

The governor said the incentive is aimed at not only students, but their parents as well.

“It is an incentive for students,” he said during a press briefing at his Manhattan office. “And by the way, it is an incentive for parents. You’re worried about paying college tuition, tell your 12 to 17 year old go out, get a shot.”

Federal COVID relief funds will be used to cover the cost of the program, which earned the praise of State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras and City University of New York Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez.

“With vaccinations as the key to a more normal academic and campus experience, this scholarship incentive can help ensure our entire campus communities have a safe and full college experience this fall semester,” Malatras said.

Earlier this month, Cuomo announced that both SUNY and CUNY will require coronavirus vaccinations for all students returning this fall, assuming the federal government gives full approval to the immunizations.

Matos Rodríguez applauded the governor for the incentive and said it’s “imperative we do all we can to get as many New Yorkers as possible vaccinated so that we may finally overcome this dreaded public health crisis.”

The tuition giveaway is the latest in a string of enticement the state has come up with as vaccinations slow and officials seek ways to encourage more people to roll up their sleeves.

In addition to Yankees and Mets tickets, Metro Cards and scratch-off lotto tickets, New York state is offering two-day passes to state parks, including beaches like Jones Beach on Long Island, for those who get dosed this week.

Cuomo continues to push vaccinations as a key element to the state’s return to normal. He again reminded music and sports venue they have the option to go 100% capacity as long as attendees are fully vaccinated.

Sections for unvaccinated patrons must adhere to social distancing rules, meaning empty seats.

“From a public interest point of view, it works because it’s another incentive for you to get the vaccine so you can participate in those activities,” Cuomo said. “It’s a win-win, and New Yorkers are winners, so I encourage everyone to do it.”



Last Edited by Boring Person on 05/26/2021 11:29 PM