Published
Registration Open: 2026 NYS College Access Conference
Join HESC, SUNY, CUNY, and the NYS Education Department for an exciting day dedicated to expanding access to higher education opportunities. Designed for counselors, financial aid professionals, and college access organizations, the 2026 NYS College Access Conference offers expert-led workshops and highly effective strategies to boost FAFSA/TAP completion and navigate the ever-changing financial aid landscape.
The day will also feature a special awards ceremony celebrating the schools and partners leading the charge in student success.
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Location: Albany Capital Center
Register now to secure your spot
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 detailed reports from the NYS Department of Education, enabling them to identify and target students who need help completing their FAFSA/TAP forms, ultimately improving completion rates and access to financial aid.To access your school’s report, your school will first need to complete, sign, and return a Data Access and Security Agreement.
FAFSA/TAP Completion Events
HESC is offering two FAFSA completion events in January. Each event features experts who can answer questions and help guide students through their FAFSA and TAP applications.
Dates & Times:
January 13 and January 27 at 4:00 pm
HESC Virtual Events:
- Creating Your StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account - January 6, January 8 (Spanish), and January 20 at 4:00 pm
- DREAM Act / Alternative Pathway Support Sessions - January 6 at 5:00 pm and January 14 at 12:00 pm
- Year: Navigating College Financial Aid - January 7, January 15 (Spanish), January 21, and January 29 at 6:00 pm
- Get Funded: Your Guide to Financial Aid Success - January 12 at 5:00 pm
- Unlocking Opportunities: Excelsior Scholarship & ETA Explained - January 14 at 6:00 pm
- The Power of STEM: NYS STEM Incentive Program Breakdown - January 20 at 6:00 pm
- Unlocking Potential: How Academic Accommodations Can Help You Succeed - January 22 at 6:00 pm
- Unpacking Special & Unusual Circumstances: Your Guide to Financial Aid - January 28 at 6:00 pm
- HESC Drop-Ins: Get Assistance with Financial Aid Questions
Full list of upcoming HESC events.
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