HESC Counselor Newsletter - April 2025

The NYS STEM Incentive Program application is currently open for students attending a SUNY or CUNY college in the fall!

Eligible students must:

Apply in their senior year of high school.
Be ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class at an NYS high school.
Enroll in an approved undergraduate program.
Agree to live in New York and work in a STEM-Approved field for five years.

The 2025-26 academic year application deadline is August 15, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit hesc.ny.gov/STEM.

Students who don’t meet residency requirements may qualify through the NYS DREAM Act.

Encourage Your Students to Submit FAFSA and TAP Applications:

Students can access the NYS TAP application through the state aid link at the end of the FAFSA submission process. If they missed the link, they can apply at hesc.ny.gov/NYSTAP.
DREAM Act eligible students can submit their TAP application through the NYS DREAM Act portal. 
HESC offers FAFSA/TAP Completion Events to help students complete their applications.

Upcoming Events in April:

Resume Building Series
Join the Resume Building Workshop to get help crafting and enhancing your resume:
- Part 1 - April 2, 2025, at 4:00p - Students will learn the framework for crafting a strong resume that highlights their skills, showcases their experience, and helps them stand out to potential employers.
- Part 2 - April 9, 2025, at 4:00p - Students can meet one-on-one with a Hiring Manager for a 15-minute resume review to get expert feedback and tips to improve their resume.
Parent Night Out: Virtual FAFSA/TAP Completion Event
Are you a parent of a high school or college student who needs help completing or making changes to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) application? If you have questions or are unsure where to start, this event is for you!
Monday, April 7, 2025, at 5:00p
DREAM Act Support Session 
Students can get one-on-one assistance with their DREAM Act financial aid application. Drop in anytime during session hours for secure, personalized support.
Monday, April 7, 2025, at 5:00p
   
Comparing College Award Letters
Learn how to compare key college award letter details like cost, grants, scholarships, and loans to help you make informed choices about affordability and find the perfect college fit for you.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:00p
Virtual Events for Juniors
Have high school Juniors looking for college scholarships? Our financial aid experts will review where to look for scholarships, how to apply for them, and answer any questions you have on navigating scholarships for school.
Every Thursday at 6:00p in April
Virtual Events for Seniors
Have high school Seniors looking for college scholarships? Our financial aid experts will review where to look for scholarships, how to apply for them, and answer any questions you have on navigating scholarships for school.
Every Tuesday at 6:00p in April
Making the Right Choice: Now What?
All the applications have been submitted. You’ve been admitted. Now what? This presentation will look at ways to help you make the final decision on where you will attend college. Once the list is narrowed down to your top 3, we’ll bring into focus the financial packages offered.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6p
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6p
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6p
HESC Virtual Drop-in Sessions 
Connect with HESC experts to get answers to all your financial aid questions in our Virtual Drop-in lounge. 
Every Wednesday – 2:00p – 4:00p

FAFSA Ready Training Program 

The FAFSA Ready Training Program is a new training series designed to help high school counselors, educators, and community partners guide students and families through the financial aid process. Topics include: 

NYS FAFSA Completion Initiative 
Supporting Students Through FAFSA 
The NYS TAP Application 
NYS DREAM Act Eligibility 
Students with Special Circumstances

Each session includes FAQs, video walkthroughs, and downloadable guides to support student success.

Stay Connected with HESC Updates 
Encourage your students and parents to sign up for HESC Texts to get updates on financial aid, deadlines, and resources to help them stay on track for college success!