AP PUSH - Albany is turning its attention to the city budget

AP PUSH — State Sen. Iwen Chu introduced legislation to make it easier for students to afford exams for Advanced Placement classes — college-level classes where high school students can earn college credit.

Under the legislation, the state Education Department would cover the cost of AP exams for all students. This saves them a large sum of money that adversely impacts students from low-income families, Chu said.

Students in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada currently have to pay $97 per AP exam. The College Board, which administers AP courses, offers a $35 fee reduction per exam for need-qualifying students with reduced or free lunch. Schools are also expected to give up the rebate they get for administering tests for those in need, which comes out to $53 per exam.

Chu said her bill will make it easier for students to access AP exams “without thinking about the hardship [they are] bringing to their parents.” She plans to continue pushing the bill forward next year if it doesn’t come to pass, with only a few days left in 2023’s legislative session.

Spokespeople for the state Education Department didn’t return a request for comment. — Madina Touré