Published
Counselor - February 2026
Submit an award nomination by January 30 to help us recognize those making a meaningful impact in financial aid and college access. Award recipients will be recognized during New York State’s first College Access Conference. A one-day event for school counselors, financial aid professionals, and community based partners. Submit nominations today! This is your chance to highlight those who are making a difference!
Financial Aid Programs Open:
- Excelsior Scholarship Program – Closes February 3, 2026
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
- NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program – Closes August 15, 2026
What is the FAFSA Completion Initiative?
The FAFSA Completion Initiative provides schools with student FAFSA/TAP completion data to help track progress and identify students who need support completing these critical financial aid applications and help maximize student financial aid.
FAFSA/TAP Completion Events
Each completion event features experts who can answer questions and help guide students through their FAFSA and TAP applications:
- February 10 and February 24 – 4:00 pm
February FAFSA Ready Training
The NYS FAFSA Ready Training program offers live and on-demand, interactive sessions designed to equip counselors, community organizations, and financial aid professionals with the tools and knowledge to help guide students through the financial aid process.
Training Dates and Times:
- How to Help Students with Special Circumstances – February 4 – 9:00 am
- Support Students Through Their FAFSA – February 6 – 11:00 am
- NYS FAFSA Completion Initiative – February 11 – 12:30 pm
HESC Virtual Events for Students and Parents:
- Becoming a New York Teacher 101: TeachNY Group Advising Session – January 29 and February 26 – 4:00 pm
- Get Support with your DREAM Act and Alternate Pathway Applications – February 2 – 5:00 pm and February 11 – 12:00 pm
- Creating Your gov (FSA ID) Account – February 3 and February 5 (Spanish) – 4:00 pm
- Understanding the NYS STEM Incentive Program – February 3 – 6:00 pm
- HESC Virtual Drop-In Lounge – February 4, February 11 and February 25 – 1:00 pm
- Year: Navigating College Financial Aid – February 4 and February 25 – 6:00 pm
- Financial Aid Help for Unique Situations – February 11 – 6:00 pm
- Exploring Financial Aid for High School Seniors – February 12 (Spanish) – 6:00 pm
- Financial Aid Opportunities for Foster Care Youth – February 26 – 6:00 pm
Full list of upcoming HESC events.
HESC Text Alerts
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