For a Covid shot, you get a chance for a free ride to San Francisco State

Here’s an offer that only the most fervent anti-vaxxer may resist. Ten San Franciscans from ages 12 to 17 who get a Covid vaccination will be eligible for a full four-year tuition to San Francisco State University.

San Francisco State President Lynn Mahoney conceived of the lottery both to encourage students to enroll and to support public health. “First and foremost, young San Franciscans should be thinking about college,” Mahoney told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I thought, wouldn’t it be great if we could incentivize college-going?”

The free ride is worth $30,000 at the current price of $7,444 in tuition. That’s worth nearly $30,000 at current prices, or $7,444 a year, for students who would otherwise pay out of pocket. Applicants who qualify for federal Pell Grants and state Cal Grants won’t have to pay the difference if they win. Winners whose tuition and fees are fully covered by grants will get an additional $2,000 a year.

Already eligible are the 90% of the city’s 12- to 17-year-olds who are vaccinated. They can enter the sweepstakes on six dates at certain vaccination sites the city is operating in schools and community centers. Winners will be randomly chosen. More information can be found here.

The lottery is a joint effort of the university, the city of San Francisco and San Francisco Unified.