N.Y. Education Law § 355-d: Educational opportunity centers

§ 355-d. Educational opportunity centers. 1. There shall be created

within the state university of New York a comprehensive system of higher

education programs and services that promote the growth and stability of

the state's educationally and economically challenged communities as

referred to in this section as educational opportunity centers.

2. Such educational opportunity centers shall be managed and

supervised by the state university and shall provide programs and

services that include, but are not limited to the following, provided

that the state university shall have the discretion to determine the

programs and services offered at each educational opportunity center:

(a) academic programs leading to and increasing persistence in higher

education;

(b) vocational programs leading to career pathways, gainful employment

and self-sufficiency;

(c) counseling and guidance services to enhance student retention;

(d) targeted services for business and industry to upgrade the skill

levels of emerging and incumbent workers such that they support

increased productivity and the creation and retention of job

opportunities;

(e) collaboration with secondary schools to assist in the academic

preparation of at-risk youth;

(f) collaborative programs with colleges and universities to increase

opportunities for center graduates for advanced placement and receipt of

academic credits for academic work completed at such center;

(g) collaboration with other state and local agencies, workforce

development boards and charitable organizations to meet emerging

state-wide priorities for serving the disadvantaged; and

(h) entrepreneurial training opportunities that may lead to community

economic development.

3. The state university shall formulate a plan and guidelines for the

organization, development, coordination and operation of educational

opportunity centers and may promulgate such rules and regulations

necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Such plan shall

include:

(a) definition of academic and economic eligibility;

(b) procedures for the selection of such students for admission to a

center;

(c) program objectives including coordination with the university's

long range mission and goals; and

(d) program evaluation and reporting.