The 2025-26 FAFSA and NYS TAP applications are now available for students!

Students can access the TAP application through the state aid link at the end of the FAFSA submission process.
Students who missed the TAP link can apply directly at hesc.ny.gov/NYSTAP.
NYS DREAM Act Applicants: Eligible students can submit their TAP application through their NYS DREAM Act portal.
Students needing assistance with their FAFSA or TAP applications can attend a HESC FAFSA/TAP Completion Event.

Upcoming Financial Aid Presentations and Workshops:

College Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities

Wednesday, January 22, 6:00 PM
Learn about the financial aid programs available to New York State students with disabilities.
HESC financial aid experts will explain available programs and answer questions to help students and families navigate the process.

Resume Building Workshop

Monday, January 27, 6:00 PM
In partnership with the New York State Department of Labor, HESC will host a fun and interactive workshop on resume writing.
Topics include resume-writing basics, how to read job descriptions, and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Senior Basics Presentation

Every Tuesday & Thursday at 6:00 PM
HESC’s Senior Basics Presentation gives high school seniors the essential tools and information they need to apply for financial aid and prepare for higher education.
Available in Spanish

Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account

Monday, January 6, 6:00 PM
Creating a StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) account is the first step toward accessing federal student financial aid.
This 15-minute presentation will guide students through the quick and easy process of setting up their accounts.
Available in Spanish

HESC Virtual Drop-In Lounge

Students can connect with HESC experts to get answers to their financial aid questions in HESC’s Virtual Drop-In Lounge.

NYS DREAM Act Support Session

Monday, January 6, 5:00–7:30 PM
This session offers personalized assistance for students with their DREAM Act financial aid application.
Students can join anytime during the session hours for one-on-one support in a safe and helpful environment.

2025 Scholarships for Academic Excellence: Nominate Your Students Today!

It’s time to nominate your students for the annual Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE). This year, all nominations must be submitted electronically through the SEDMON application in the NYSED Business Portal.

Important Details:

Deadline for submission is February 28, 2025.
Initial access to the SAE Nomination Survey is granted to the School District Superintendent/CEO.
The survey can be found under “SED Monitoring and Vendor System” and listed as SAE within OPASS.
Access must be delegated by your district’s designated SEDREF point person via SEDDAS.

For guidance on accessing the survey, visit the SAE website for helpful documents, including the cover letter, FAQ, and bulletin. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Act Now! Submit your nominations before the deadline. 

Stay Connected with HESC Resources

Students and parents can receive text message updates with essential financial aid information, key deadlines, and helpful resources to keep them on track toward college success.

For FAFSA/TAP-related questions or inquiries about any event, contact [email protected]. HESC provides downloadable online resources to help students and families understand federal and state financial aid processes and plan for college.