HESC Counselor Newsletter - May 2025

Published April 21, 2025

NYS STEM Incentive Program is Open! The NYS STEM Incentive Program is now accepting applications for the 2025–26 academic year! This program offers full SUNY or CUNY tuition for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math—fields that are shaping New York’s future. 

• Students must apply their senior year to qualify 
• Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2025 

Get Ready for College Application Month (CAM) 2025: Early registration is now open for October, NYS College Application Month (CAM)! CAM is a national initiative that encourages every high school senior to submit at least one college application, helping to close the gap between graduation and higher education. Last year, a record-breaking 775 high schools across NYS participated! Participating schools will receive our expanded, updated digital toolkit this fall, featuring all-new downloadable guides, checklists, and planning materials. Together, we can help NYS students achieve their college dreams! 

Schools that register by June 30, 2025, will receive priority access to our limited supply of CAM promotional items!   

Virtual Events in May 

• Excelsior Scholarship & Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) Presentation
  HESC experts will discuss how the Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award can help make college more affordable, including eligibility, application steps, and deadlines.   
  May 12 @ 6:00 PM  
   
• 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.   
  May 12 @ 5:00 PM 
   
• On Campus and Ready to Begin the Semester 
  HESC will guide students through what to expect when arriving on campus—covering orientation, student life, and on-campus job opportunities.  
  May 14 @ 6:00 PM & May 28 @ 6:00 PM 
   
• NYS STEM Incentive Scholarship Presentation 
  Discover how the NYS STEM Incentive Program can unlock exciting opportunities in science, tech, engineering, and math—including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.   
  Date: May 19 @ 6:00 PM 
   
• HESC Events for Juniors: Scholarships & Financial Aid 
  These sessions explore where to find scholarships, how to apply, and tips for navigating financial aid. 
  Tuesdays @ 6:00 PM & Thursdays @ 6:00 PM 
    
• HESC Drop-in Sessions 
  Students can connect directly with HESC experts in our virtual lounge to get help with any financial aid questions.   
  Wednesdays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Financial Aid Reminders & Resources 

• TAP Application:
  Students can access the TAP application at the end of the FAFSA submission process. If they missed the link, they can apply directly at hesc.ny.gov/NYSTAP.   
• DREAM Act:
  Eligible students can apply through the NYS DREAM Act portal.   
• FAFSA/TAP Completion Support:
  HESC continues to offer FAFSA/TAP Completion Events for one-on-one assistance.   

HESC Text Alerts:
Students and their families can stay on track for college success by signing up for HESC Texts. They’ll receive reminders about important deadlines and financial aid updates—right on their phones.