The State University of New York has announced students with foster backgrounds are eligible for an additional $1,000 in funding.

Students eligible for New York State’s Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI) can use the money to further their education. It can be used for books, housing, transportation and more.

David Mejias knows how important the program — and the funding — can be. With his GED, he enrolled in Hudson Valley Community College’s Foster Youth Program in 2019. That provided him with necessary funding to focus on his education.

“It was game-changing because at the time, when they told me you’re going to be eligible for this money, it was a lot of money. It really was,” said Mejias.

Mejias was previously in the foster system and primarily raised by his maternal grandmother. He said his family kept him safe, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t struggle.

Mejias was previously incarcerated for marijuana possession and has spent the past several years working on his education.

“Statistically, I’m more likely to die in prison than I am to work on prison reform,” Mejias said.

He’s beating the odds.

Mejias has successfully moved on from HVCC, where he earned several college honors, and is now enrolled in Columbia University. He hopes to earn a law degree and ultimately work to change the criminal justice system.

“For me, I want to continue to remain of service on a daily basis, continue to help out and help other people to achieve their highest potential,” Mejias said.

Part of that is getting more people to understand the funding opportunities.

SUNY says the additional $1,000 initiative will run through May 2023.

Eligible students are asked to contact SUNY or campus financial aid teams to enroll.