New York State is targeting teens, offering them a chance for a full ride to any SUNY, CUNY, or community college once they get vaccinated against COVID.
Through July 7, teens ages 12-17 who get their first Pfizer shot will be able to enter a drawing for 10, four-year college scholarships.
Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine available to date for the age group.
The “Get A Shot to Make Your Future” drawing will be held every Wednesday.
“It’s an incentive for students,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “It’s also an incentive for parents. You’re worried about paying for college tuition, tell your 12- 17-year-old, ‘Go out, get a shot’…and then they are eligible for a raffle. Your odds are good because it’s only the population that has been vaccinated [that’s eligible.]”
Scholarship winners will be randomly drawn.
Governor Cuomo pointed out that there’s an advantage to getting vaccinated—and into the drawing—ASAP:
More weeks and more chances to win.
“So get the vaccine and get it early,” he said.
“It makes total sense. It’s free, it’s available, there are no appointments, it’s smart, and you also have a chance to win a full scholarship.”
Twelve-17-year-olds represent 10 percent of the state’s COVID-positive numbers and only recently became eligible for the COVID vaccine.
Monday marked 56 straight days of decline in the state’s COVID numbers.
The statewide positivity state is .69 percent and more than 109 million doses of vaccines have been administered.
However, there were still 18 COVID deaths statewide Sunday.
In the Mohawk Valley, the positivity rate was .92 percent as of Sunday; in Schoharie County there was one new case for a total of 1,689.
Despite the decline in numbers, schools are sticking with their existing COVID protocols for now, requiring masks for events both inside and out and on busses.
Most libraries are also requiring masks and use of hand sanitizers--for now.