The first 10 winners of New York state's “Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate” program were revealed Saturday by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Winners will be able to attend a SUNY or CUNY school on full scholarship, which includes room, board and tuition.

The first round of winners are:

  • Cecilia S. - Broome County 
  • Ivan Y. - New York City 
  • Andreas B. - Naussau County 
  • Juliette D. - Westchester County 
  • Cris Anzen B. - New York City 
  • Jocelyn R. - Monroe County 
  • Owen S. - Queens County 
  • Lily R. - Albany County 
  • Elizabeth E. - Erie County 
  • Tristan C. - Queens County 

"The 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' program provides the life-changing opportunity for young New Yorkers to win free tuition to a SUNY or CUNY college or university," Hochul said in a statement. "As we enter the holiday season and the risk of transmission increases, it is absolutely critical that we stay vigilant. The vaccine is the surest way to keep you and your loved ones safe - it's free, easily accessible, and most importantly safe for five- to 11-year-olds."

Parents and guardians of children ages 5 through 11 can enter their child for a chance to win. Children must receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by Dec. 19.

"Vaccinations are the key to ending the pandemic so I applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership in creating incentives to get more shots in the arms of New Yorkers,” SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said in a statement. “The Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate Vaccine Scholarship Incentive Program does just that by offering an exciting opportunity to get free tuition and room and board at one of our great SUNY schools.  I congratulate all the first round winners and thank Governor Hochul for continuing New York's fight against this virus."   

Ten winners will be announced for five weeks.

Click here to learn more or enter.

Adam Penale - Associate Digital Producer

Adam Penale is a Niagara University graduate, who has written for the Buffalo Bisons and the Niagara Gazette. He joined Spectrum News as an associate digital producer in 2020.