$2.5 million in funding has been awarded to 20 SUNY and CUNY colleges in 17 counties across New York to help prevent underage drinking and drug use.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the funding today.

Herkimer College is one of the schools to receive funding.

Cuomo says the funding will be used to strengthen local drug use and underage drinking prevention efforts and will be specifically targeted at students ages 18 to 24.

"College is a formative time in young people's lives and it is critical that we provide our students with the necessary tools to avoid making bad decisions with potentially life-altering consequences," Governor Cuomo said. "Through campaigns aimed at combatting drug use and underage drinking, we can help set students on the right path by creating a campus environment that fosters education, awareness and growth for all."

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