New York State Assemblyman Steve Labriola recently announced he is participating in the new Cadet Appointment Program (CAP), a scholarship program that was approved by the state Legislature last year and encouraged local high school seniors to apply before the new Feb. 1 deadline. The program will enable the governor, state senators and members of the Assembly to nominate eligible students to attend the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College as part of its prestigious Regiment of Cadets.

"This is a great opportunity for all those interested in applying at SUNY Maritime. I am pleased to have a full scholarship to award to a qualified high school senior from our community," Labriola said.

According to Labriola, starting with the 2003-2004 academic year, a qualified student from the lawmaker's Assembly District will be eligible to receive a four-year tuition scholarship to SUNY Maritime. SUNY Maritime is the oldest maritime college in the country and offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs in marine engineering, mathematics, marine transportation, computer science, oceanography and other related programs. Located at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, the college's primary function is to prepare qualified students to become licensed officers in the American Merchant Marine. The school boasts a 100 percent job placement among its graduates.

Students seeking a nomination from Labriola must meet the following criteria:

* Have a combined SAT score at or above 1200;

* Have a high school GPA of at least 90 percent;

* Have demonstrated leadership and community service;

* Meet the college's general admission requirements and participate in the Regiment of Cadets program;

* Be a resident of the district and must have lived in New York state for at least one year prior to nomination; and,

* Be a first-time freshman.

"After a student is accepted into SUNY Maritime and meets the scholarship requirements, I will receive a list of qualified students seeking nomination. At that point, I will set up interviews prior to making a nomination," Labriola said.

For an admission application to Maritime College and CAP, please contact Assemblyman Labriola's office at 844-0635 or contact Maritime College Office of Admissions by calling 1-(718) 409-7220 or 1-(800) 642-1874.