HESC Honors NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies with ACAC School of Excellence Award

Recognition Tied to College Application Month and Governor Hochul’s FAFSA Completion Initiative

New York, NY – The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is proud to announce that NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies has been named a School of Excellence by the American College Application Campaign (ACAC) for its outstanding efforts during New York State College Application Month (CAM). Part of the American College Application Campaign’s (ACAC) national effort to close the gap between high school graduation and postsecondary education, this month-long initiative encourages every high school senior to submit at least one college application during the month of October.

HESC nominated the NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies for the award in recognition of its outstanding achievement in reaching nearly 100% senior student participation in college application submissions for two consecutive years. In 2024, over 750 high schools and 140 colleges and universities across New York State participated in CAM, demonstrating the state’s strong commitment to college access and student success.

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “NYC Lab School exemplifies the very spirit of College Application Month. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring all students, regardless of background or financial situation, have access to college opportunities directly supports Governor Hochul’s universal FAFSA completion initiative, which ensures that every high school senior has the tools they need to access financial aid and make their college dreams a reality.”

NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies Principal Brooke Jackson said, "When Ms. Madenberg first shared with me that during college month this past October, 100% of our seniors had successfully applied to college, I felt proud and optimistic. That each and every student met this benchmark in the college process is emblematic of Lab School's commitment to equity and inclusion. No matter each student's background, homelife, educational history, I know with confidence that throughout high school, leading up to fall of senior year, every Labbie—what we affectionately call our students—is seen, known, valued, and challenged to pursue their goals. I thank Ms. Madenberg for her insistence that college is possible for all, and I look to the entire Lab faculty/family with awe and gratitude for creating and sustaining a learning community rich in love and trust: essential for risk-taking, learning and growth."

American College Application Campaign Director Lisa King said, “The outstanding efforts and achievements of the NYC Lab School are what the ACAC School of Excellence awards are all about. Seeing so many first-generation students actively engage in the college application process and pursue higher education is advantageous to ALL college students, providing diverse points of view in the classroom and beyond.”

Governor Hochul’s universal FAFSA completion initiative, enacted in 2024, requires all New York State high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the NYS DREAM Act application, or formally opt out. Designed to increase college access for all NYS students, this initiative helps ensure that every student can apply for the financial support they need to attend college. To maximize financial aid opportunities, students are also encouraged to apply for the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other NYS scholarships.

NYC Lab School serves approximately 420 students, with nearly half of the student body being the first in their families to pursue higher education. The school was presented with the School of Excellence Award by HESC Executive Vice President Doris Gonzalez during a school-wide assembly on Friday, April 25. Members of the school community and representatives from the NYC Department of Education were in attendance. View the pictures from the award ceremony.

For more information on the NYS College Application Month initiative and other college access programs, visit hesc.ny.gov.