Governor Andrew Cuomo says an agreement with the state and the Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Fund will provide $10 million to help local students attend college.

“A college education is essential to succeed in today’s economy, and financial barriers should not serve as a roadblock for any prospective students,” Cuomo said. “With these programs, we are investing in our future by providing the resources students need and working to ensure that quality higher education is accessible to all.”

The money is part of a combined effort with New York’s Excelsior Scholarship program to cover the cost of books, fees and other non-tuition expenses for Say Yes Buffalo scholars in need. Say Yes Buffalo will continue to provide tuition scholarships for Buffalo students.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement at McKinley High School on Friday.

“With the Say Yes Buffalo initiative and our Excelsior Scholarship program, we’re opening new doors and pathways to success for students in Buffalo and across New York,” Hochul said. “Funding for Say Yes through the Buffalo Billion II is an important part of our strategy to invest in the future of our region’s workforce and prepare students for new jobs being created in Buffalo and across Western New York.”

The money being committed to Say Yes Buffalo is part of Buffalo Billion II, in what Gov. Cuomo’s office calls “an effort to continue to strengthen and better prepare the regional workforce.”

“As an early supporter of the Say Yes program, the City of Buffalo has committed $2.3 million to this highly effective program, which includes $500,000 pledged in the upcoming budget year,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said. “Today’s announcement of a $10 million investment to the Buffalo scholarship fund is truly great news because it opens the door even wider for local students to successfully complete high school and continue their educations.”