Counselor - April 2026

Published April 01, 2026

Help us close the gap when it comes to student FAFSA Completion!

While New York ranks 6th in the nation for FAFSA completions, we want to close the gap to help more students access the financial aid to reduce the costs of college.

April is Financial Aid Awareness month and the perfect time to encourage your students who haven’t yet completed the FAFSA to take action!

This month, HESC will be hosting a series of events aimed at guiding students and families through the financial aid process. These events will feature presentations and trainings on avoiding common financial aid application errors, and discussions highlighting grant and scholarship opportunities for students.

FAFSA submission is a critical step in determining eligibility and gaining access to NYS financial aid programs such as Excelsior, STEM, and many others.

Got Questions? HESC’s Phone Lines are Open!
We’re pleased to announce that students and families can call now HESC directly for financial aid assistance at 1-888-697-4372. No appointment needed!  This change allows us to provide faster, more accessible  to students and families navigating the financial aid process.

Important: To protect the privacy of all students, students must be present during the call when requesting to reset a pin or resolve issues with their HESCPin account,.

Counselors interested in hosting financial aid events should continue reaching out to HESC at [email protected], as this process remains unchanged.

Do You Have Students in the Top 10% of Their Class?
Did you know that The NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program  covers the cost of tuition for students who graduate in the top 10% of their NYS high school class, looking to pursue a degree in STEM at SUNY or CUNY.

To qualify, students must apply immediately following high school graduation before their first college semester begins.

The deadline for the NYS STEM Incentive Program is August 15, 2026. Encourage your top performing students to apply!

View all Opportunities

FAFSA Ready Training New training opportunities are available through the NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program. 

      Training Dates and Times:

• Support Students Through Their FAFSA– April 8 – 11:30a
• Alternative Eligibility Pathways to NYS Financial Aid – April 13– 1:00p

We also offer on demand, interactive sessions to fit your schedule.

HESC Virtual Events for Students and Parents:

• Financial Aid Help for Unique Situations
  • April 1 – 6:00p
  • Get personalized advice on navigating financial aid for special circumstances.
• Parent Night Out: Complete your FAFSA/TAP with HESC!
  • April 13 & 20 - 4:00p
  • Parents can receive hands-on assistance to complete FAFSA and TAP applications.
• Get Support with your DREAM Act & Alternate Pathway Applications
  • April 13 – 5:00p
  • April 22 – 12:00p
  • Learn how to complete your DREAM Act and Alternate Pathway applications with expert guidance.
• Creating Your StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account
  • April 14, April 16 (Spanish)
  • April 28 – 4:00p
  • Learn how to set up a StudentAid.gov account to get started with applying for FAFSA.
• The Right Fit: Finding Your Perfect College Match
  • April 14 – 6:00p
  • This overview will assist students and parents on what comes next after college acceptances roll in.
• Financial Aid Road Map to Private Colleges and Universities
  • April 15 – 6:00p
  • Learn what Russell Sage College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute experts say on what sets private colleges apart.
• Award Letter Comparison Made Easy: A Workshop for Success
  • April 16 – 6:00p
  • Discover how the HESC Financial Aid Award Letter Comparison Toolcan help students compare college offers accurately.
• TAP Estimator 101: Navigate Like a Pro
  • April 21 – 6:00p
  • Master the TAP Estimator tool to better understand financial aid eligibility.
• Resume Building Workshop
  • April 22– 4:00p
  • Learn how to craft a standout resume for college or career opportunities.
• College Costs Unveiled: How to Compare Award Letters
  • April 22 – 6:00p
  • Join HESC to learn how to compare award letters and identify key details like cost, grants, scholarships, work-study, and loan options.
• Tuition-Free College with Excelsior!
  • April 28 – 6:00p
  • Find out how the Excelsior and Enhanced Tuition Assistance programs work to make higher education more affordable for eligible NYS students.
• Understanding the NYS STEM Incentive Program
  • April 29 – 6:00p
  • Let HESC experts walk you through this scholarship geared toward students pursuing emerging careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Becoming a New York Teacher 101: TeachNY Group Advising Session
  • April 30 – 4:00p
  • Explore the pathway to becoming a teacher in New York with expert advice.
• Financial Aid Roadmap to SUNY & CUNY
  • April 30 – 6:00p
  • Join a panel of experts for an overview on how to explore financial aid opportunities and walk through the application process.

View the full list of upcoming HESC events.    

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