New York State to fund college tours for low-income students

Visiting colleges is getting a little bit easier for New York high school students from low-income families.

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation is earmarking $500,000 for organizations that take low-income students on college tours, according to an announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office today.

“The costs involved in a college campus visit can be a barrier to attending college for low-income students,” the corporation’s acting president, Elsa Magee, said in a statement. “We’re excited to work with partners who will help spur enthusiasm and motivation for college in traditionally underserved students by allowing them to experience college first-hand without having to worry about the associated costs.”

Research suggests that early exposure — in the form of awareness and, yes, visits — can be key to making college a goal for students who might otherwise not pursue higher education, and many city schools have their own programs for getting low-income students onto college campuses already.