State aid reductions to limit scholarships for minorities

A proposed budget cut may leave some New York state high school students without an opportunity to receive a college education next fall.

The Office of Supportive Services announced in a press conference Tuesday that Gov. George Pataki did not renew all the funding for higher education scholarship programs for the 2004-2005 academic year. The Higher Education Opportunity Program and the Science Technology Entry Program/Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program will receive major cuts in funding through Pataki’s budget.

Syracuse University programs were reduced by $52,536 for HEOP and $26,266 for STEP/C-STEP.

‘We’ve been very active politically and we’re getting tired trying to keep proving to the governor of how successful the program is,’ said Denise Trionfero, associate director of the OSS.

Approximately 20 high school students wishing to enroll full time will be denied assistance that would otherwise allow them to attend SU through HEOP, Trionfero said.

HEOP financial aid packages have been cut consistently over the past few years, and will see another 5 percent cut this year for a loss of $1.1 million, Trionfero said. C-STEP will receive a reduction of $500,000.

HEOP provides educational opportunities and supportive services to students that demonstrate strong academic initiatives, but would otherwise be unable to pursue a college education due to economic disadvantages.

‘These students are at a poverty level to begin with,’ Trionfero said.

Joey Tse, director of HEOP for University College, said HEOP allows students with potential for success to earn a good education.

‘The program says that these students are admissible to this university,’ Tse said. ‘Look at the success of HEOP; it shows nothing but potential.’

Anna Wong, a junior triple major in social work, child and family studies and psychology, and a member of the OSS Student Advisory Board, said that without giving a sufficient amount of aid to students, it will be difficult to benefit the community.

Although current students enrolled in the programs are not directly affected through the cuts, they were upset that similar students in their position will not be able to receive the same opportunity.

‘I’m appalled,’ said Keenya Potts, a freshman social work major and a student in C-STEP. ‘It upsets me that some people won’t be allowed to get a good education because they are financially disadvantaged.’

Students concerned about the cuts began a letter-writing campaign last night, hoping to influence the governor’s decision.

In addition to the financial aid, students enrolled in these programs receive supportive services from tutoring to academic counseling.

‘It’s not all about the money,’ said Linda Ahenkora, a sophomore in The College of Arts and Sciences.

Anticipating the loss in aid, many of these services will be limited to students, Trionfero said.

‘Hundreds of hundreds of students are not being able to be served,’ Trionfero said. ‘It’s a Catch-22.’