Ten minors ages 5 to 11 from New York won the first round of state college scholarships because they were vaccinated against COVID-19, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Saturday.
The names of the young people were drawn after their parents or guardians entered them in the “Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate” contest. It is open to children ages 5 to 11 who receive their first dose of vaccine before December 19. Weekly drawings will continue until December 20.
Winners get tuition, room and board for a bachelor’s or associate’s program at a New York State or New York City public university, plus money for books and supplies.
Hochul’s office posted a video of the Democrat naming some of the winners. Their full names were not given.
When are the winners announced and what are the deadlines for entry?
Winners will be announced over the course of five weeks, from November 22 to December 20.
Entries must be received by December 19, 2021 at 11:59 pm to meet the requirement of at least one drawing.
What does the full scholarship include?
Parents or legal guardians of any New Yorker who is between the ages of 5 and 11 and has received at least their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can enter their child for a chance to win one of 50 Full scholarships in any SUNY or CUNY four- or two-year bachelor’s or associate’s program, including:
• Tuition: the total cost of in-state tuition at a New York City or state university.
• Non-tuition related costs: room and board and allowances for books, supplies, and transportation up to average cost at SUNY colleges.
• Residence: Students who live on campus will receive a higher room and board allowance than students who commute. If there is no accommodation available for students on campus, they will receive the same allowance as students living on campus.
Which are the requirements?
- Only one valid ticket per child will be accepted. Duplicate entries will be removed before each drawing.
- Your son is a resident of New York State.
- Your child has received at least his first dose of a COVID-19 immunization authorized for emergency use for his age group by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as of the date of admission.
- Your child is or was between 5 and 11 years old on the date of his first vaccination.
- None of the participant’s resident parent, stepparent or legal guardian, spouse, sibling, grandparent, or household member is an employee of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the New York State Corporation for Higher Education Services (HESC), Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), or the New York State Executive Chamber.
How can I enroll my children in the program and get more information?
Parents or guardians can visit this website or call 1-833-697-4829 to participate in the scholarship program for children ages 5 to 11.
For more information on the rules and how it works go to this website.
New York offered a similar scholarship raffle for youth ages 12 to 17 who received the vaccine this past spring and summer.
States across the country have tried various forms of incentives to induce people to get vaccinated.
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