Join the New York National Guard and become eligible for 100 percent free tuition at all SUNY and CUNY colleges for a period of eight semesters. If you choose to attend a New York State accredited independent college that participates in the program rather than enroll in SUNY or CUNY, you will be eligible to receive the equivalent amount of $3,400 towards your tuition annually.

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) reports that in 1996, the state legislature unanimously passed legislation providing tuition, up to a
maximum of $3,400 per calendar year, for young men and women who are New York State residents, members of the New York Air and Army National Guards and the New York Naval Militia and attend college in the state. This benefit, entitled the Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program, allows many young people to attend college who otherwise may not have the financial resources to do so.

"Over 2,700 young men and women statewide are currently, or have already, taken advantage of this incentive," stated Pheffer. "With high school graduations upon us and futures under serious consideration, I recommend that all my constituents who are interested in more details to call 1-800-GOGUARD or the NYS National Guard Tuition Incentive Office at (518) 786-4482."