§ 355-d. Educational opportunity centers. 1. There shall be created
within the state university of New York a comprehensive system of higher
education programs and services that promote the growth and stability of
the state's educationally and economically challenged communities as
referred to in this section as educational opportunity centers.

2. Such educational opportunity centers shall be managed and
supervised by the state university and shall provide programs and
services that include, but are not limited to the following, provided
that the state university shall have the discretion to determine the
programs and services offered at each educational opportunity center:

(a) academic programs leading to and increasing persistence in higher
education;

(b) vocational programs leading to career pathways, gainful employment
and self-sufficiency;

(c) counseling and guidance services to enhance student retention;

(d) targeted services for business and industry to upgrade the skill
levels of emerging and incumbent workers such that they support
increased productivity and the creation and retention of job
opportunities;

(e) collaboration with secondary schools to assist in the academic
preparation of at-risk youth;

(f) collaborative programs with colleges and universities to increase
opportunities for center graduates for advanced placement and receipt of
academic credits for academic work completed at such center;

(g) collaboration with other state and local agencies, workforce
development boards and charitable organizations to meet emerging
state-wide priorities for serving the disadvantaged; and

(h) entrepreneurial training opportunities that may lead to community
economic development.

3. The state university shall formulate a plan and guidelines for the
organization, development, coordination and operation of educational
opportunity centers and may promulgate such rules and regulations
necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Such plan shall
include:

(a) definition of academic and economic eligibility;

(b) procedures for the selection of such students for admission to a
center;

(c) program objectives including coordination with the university's
long range mission and goals; and

(d) program evaluation and reporting.