HESC Counselor Newsletter - June 2025

2025-26 Excelsior Scholarship Application Now Open!
The Excelsior Scholarship offers eligible New York State students the opportunity to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. Students can learn more about eligibility and how to apply at hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

Students who do not meet the residency criteria may still qualify through the NYS DREAM Act.

Grants & Scholarships Currently Open

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) – Ongoing
NYS STEM Incentive Program – Closes 8/15/25
Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) – Closes 8/31/25

View all opportunities

College Application Month 2025! – Early Registration
Early registration is now open for the October 2025 College Application Month (CAM) initiative, which encourages every high school senior to submit at least one college application during the month of October. Last year, 750 high schools across New York participated!

Schools that register by June 30, 2025, get priority access to limited promotional items that can be used in schools to help promote and encourage students to apply to college.

Alternate Eligibility Pathway Application and Training Launch
With a commitment to sensitivity, security, and access, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has launched a new application path for eligible students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. This pathway is for students who wish to apply for New York State financial aid, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), but have privacy concerns with submitting their personal information on the FAFSA. 

Counselor Events and Training

Introduction to NYS Financial Aid Pathways – May 29, 5:00p
FAFSA Ready Training – June 5, 11:00a & June 18, 1:00p

Get Help Applying

FAFSA & TAP Parent Completion Night – June 2, 5:00p – 6:30p
NYS DREAM Act & Alternate Path Support Session – June 2, 5:00p – 7:30p Pathways to Financial Aid – June 4, 5:00p – 6:00p

Planning for College

College Fit: The 4 A’s – June 4, 6:00p & June 18, 6:00p
Pricing Out College 101 – June 9, 5:00p
Creating a Smart College List – June 12, 4:00p & June 26, 4:00p

NYS Financial Aid Spotlights

SUNY & CUNY Financial Aid Panel – June 10, 6:00p
Excelsior & ETA Overview – June 16, 5:00p 
STEM Incentive Overview – June 17, 6:00p 
Choosing the Right College or Career Path – June 24, 6:00p

Full list of upcoming HESC events.

HESC Text Alerts
Students can sign up for HESC Text Alerts and get deadline reminders and tips right to their phone.