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STATE OF NEW YORK FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

 

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12255
1-888-NYS-HESC (1-888-697-4372) or

www.hesc.org

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of New York.

 

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. Depending on the academic year in which you begin study, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,000. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.

Effective for the 2007-08 academic year, TAP will be available for students attending SUNY, CUNY and not-for-profit independent degree-granting colleges on a part-time basis. To be eligible for Part-Time TAP you must have been a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter, have earned 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive semesters, and maintain a “C” average.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for TAP, you must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be a legal resident of New York State
• Study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State
• Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
• Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing
• Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
• Be charged at least $200 tuition per year
• Not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awards
• Meet income eligibility limitations

What Determines The Amount Of The Award?

The award amount is determined by:

• Academic year in which first payment of TAP or any state award is received
• Type of postsecondary institution and the tuition charge
• Combined family NYS net taxable income
• Financial status (dependent or independent)
• Other family members enrolled in college

 

Part-Time TAP Program

Effective for the 2007-08 Academic Year

Part-time students at approved schools in New York State who were first-time, full-time freshmen in 2006-07 may be eligible for Part-Time TAP to help them pay for college beginning in 2007-08. Part-Time TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back. Part-Time TAP is not the same as Aid for Part-Time Study.

Student Eligibility

To be eligible for Part-Time TAP, a student must:

• Be a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter
• Have earned 12 credits or more in each of the two consecutive semesters, for a minimum total of 24 credits earned
• Maintain a minimum of a “C” average

In addition, the student must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be a legal resident of New York State
• Have graduated from high school in the United States, or earned a GED, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing
• Be charged at least $200 tuition per year
• Be taking 6 but fewer than 12 credits per semester or 4 but fewer than 8 credits per trimester
• Not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC and not be in any repayment of state awards
• Meet income eligibility limitations

Eligible Institutions

To be eligible, students must attend one of the following:

• The State University of New York (SUNY)
• The City University of New York (CUNY)
• Not-for-profit independent degree granting colleges

How to Apply

To apply, complete and submit the FAFSA and TAP applications and follow the instructions provided.

Income Limits

The income limits for Part-Time TAP are the same as those for undergraduate TAP:

• Dependent undergraduate students or students who are married or have tax dependents - $80,000 NYS net taxable income.
• Single independent undergraduate students with no dependents - $10,000 NYS net taxable income.

TAP Credits

Semester Schools

Partial TAP payment will be made for students taking 6-11 credits as shown below: Points Accrual for Part-time TAP Payments - Semester Schools

Credits           Percent of Full Award           Points Accrued
    6                              50.00%                                   3
    7                              58.34%                                   3.5
    8                              66.67%                                   4
    9                              75.00%                                   4.5
  10                              83.34%                                   5
  11                              91.67%                                   5.5

Trimester Schools

Partial TAP payment will be made for students taking 4-7 credits as shown below: Points Accrual for Part-time TAP Payments - Trimester Schools

Credits           Percent of Full Award           Points Accrued
    4                              50.00%                                   2
    5                              62.50%                                   2.5
    6                              75.00%                                   3
    7                              87.50%                                   3.5

 

NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarships

New York State Math & Science Teaching Incentive Scholarships are being offered to encourage students to pursue careers as secondary math and science teachers (grades 7-12).

Eligibility
Applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
• Be attending a college located in New York State
• Be matriculated in a program leading to a degree as a secondary education math or science teacher
• Have a college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
• Execute a Service Contract in which they agree to work for five years as a secondary school math or science teacher

Award Amounts

Recipients shall receive an annual payment equal to the average SUNY tuition or actual tuition; whichever is less. The maximum annual award for the 2006-2007 academic year is $4,350.

Duration

Recipients may receive award payments for up to four academic years of full-time undergraduate study and one academic year of full-time graduate study.

Application Process
The deadline for the 2006 Series Math & Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship Program has passed. Applications for full-time attendance during the 2007-08 academic year will be available after January 1, 2008.

Payment of Awards

Apply for Payment Each Year: Once awarded the scholarship, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the TAP Application by May 1 of each academic year for which they request payment under this scholarship. This deadline may be waived the first year a student applies for this scholarship.

Awards Are Paid Directly to Schools: Awards will be paid directly to the schools on behalf of students upon the successful completion of each academic year. "Successful completion" means the applicant:

• was in full-time attendance
• earned at least 27 credit hours or the equivalent in a course of study leading to a secondary education degree in the fields of math or science
• had a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the academic year
• has a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all academic years of undergraduate and graduate study

NOTE: Applicants may attend less than full time during their last undergraduate term if less than a full-time course load is necessary to complete their degree.

Additional Information

Please contact the Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 with questions about this scholarship.

 

Aid for Part-Time Study

The Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program provides grant assistance for eligible part-time students enrolled in approved undergraduate studies.

Amount

Awards provide up to $2,000 per year for part-time undergraduate study at participating institutions in New York State. An APTS award cannot exceed tuition charges.

Income Limits

Eligibility for an APTS award is based on New York State net taxable income from the preceding calendar year.

• For students who were eligible to be claimed as tax dependents by their parents, family New York State NET taxable income may not exceed $50,550. Family income includes student AND parent income.
• For students who were not eligible to be claimed by their parents as tax dependents, their New York State NET taxable income (including spouse’s income) may not exceed $34,250. The spouse’s income must be included if they were married on or before December 31 of the previous calendar year.
• For students who were not eligible to be claimed by their parents but were eligible to claim tax dependents other than self and/or spouse, their New York State NET taxable income (including spouse’s income) may not exceed $50,550. The spouse’s income must be included if they were married on or before December 31 of the previous calendar year.

Study Requirements

For this program, part-time study means being enrolled for at least:

• 3 but less than 12 semester hours per semester.
• 4 but less than 8 credit hours per trimester.

Eligibility

To be considered for an APTS award, you must:

• Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be a legal resident of New York State
• Have graduated from a high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
• Be enrolled as a part-time student
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study in a participating New York State postsecondary institution
• Be in good academic standing: Have achieved at least a cumulative "C" average after having received the equivalent of two full years of payment of state-sponsored student financial aid
• Be charged at least $100 tuition per year
• Not have exhausted Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility
• Not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awarded funds
• Meet income eligibility limitations

 

Selection for an APTS Award

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) distributes APTS funds to participating colleges in New York State. College financial aid administrators select potential recipients from eligible students and decide who will receive APTS awards based on the funds they have available and students’ needs.

How to Apply

To apply, students should obtain an APTS application from the college the student will be attending. Since funds are limited, the student should complete the application and return it to the college as early as possible for processing.

 

NYS Educational Opportunity Program

The Educational Opportunity Program provides assistance to NYS residents who are academically and financially disadvantaged, according to state guidelines. Learn more by visiting the Opportunity Program admissions office at your college of choice.

 

Military Service Recognition Scholarship

The Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS) provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while New York State residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities.

General Information and Eligibility

MSRS provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while New York State residents:

• died, became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred or are classified as missing in action in a combat theater or combat zone of operations; or who died as a result of injuries incurred in these designated areas; OR
• died or became severely and permanently disabled as result of injury or illness suffered or incurred during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theater or combat zone of operations.

The MSRS is also available to members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, while New York residents, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990 became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred:

• in a combat theater or combat zone; OR
• during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theater or combat zone of operations.

Note: New York State resident family members who were enrolled in undergraduate programs at a U.S. college or university located outside of New York State on Sept. 11, 2001 are also eligible for scholarship payment at that school, if still currently enrolled. Payment may not precede the establishment of eligibility.

Scholarship Amounts

MSRS provides funds to help meet the cost of attending college. The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:

• At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; actual room and board charged to the student for students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.
• At a private institution: an allowance equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and mandatory educational fees (or student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.

Receipt of other grants and scholarships may reduce the MSRS award. The total of all aid received cannot be greater than the student's Title IV cost of attendance.

How to Apply for a MSRS Scholarship

To apply students must complete the Military Service Recognition Scholarship Supplement. Provide the information requested on the supplement and submit it along with the necessary supporting documentation to the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) at the address listed below:

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12255

Filing Deadlines

This application may be submitted and eligibility for a Military Service Recognition Scholarship may be established at any time. Although you do not have to submit a Military Service Recognition Scholarship application every year, you must submit an application for payment by May 1 of each academic year you wish to receive a Military Service Recognition Scholarship.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Express TAP Application (ETA) to request payment.

 

Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships

Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships provide financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of American Airlines Flight 587’s crash in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens, New York on the morning of November 12, 2001. In the spirit of the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship, this program will help the 266 families who lost loved ones cover the cost of attending college in New York State.

Who Is Eligible?

Children, spouses and financial dependents of those who died as a direct result of the American Airlines Flight 587 crash on November 12, 2001 in Belle Harbor, Queens, New York.

How to Apply

Print a copy of the Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship Supplement and submit it with the necessary documentation to:
HESC Scholarship Unit
99 Washington Ave, Room 1430A
Albany, NY 12255

A description of the required documentation is included in the instructions on the last page of the supplement. Once eligibility has been established, students must submit a payment application for each academic year payment is sought. Eligible students should apply for payment by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the TAP Application.

Eligibility Requirements

Effective immediately and retroactive to the 2001-2002 academic year, undergraduate students who are full time, matriculated in an approved program in New York State, and meet eligibility requirements pursuant to New York State laws and regulations are eligible. Recipients need not be New York State residents or U.S. citizens to receive the scholarship.

NOTE: Eligible New York State resident family members who were enrolled in undergraduate colleges or universities located outside of New York State on November 12, 2001 may receive payment of this scholarship for attendance at that school.

Award Amount

Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships provide funds to help meet the cost of attending college. The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s degree program) and includes the following components:
 

• At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.
• At a private institution: an amount equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and average mandatory education fees ( or the student’s actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.

In all cases, the total of all aid received by the recipient cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance.

 

Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships

Number of Awards

One qualified graduating senior from every participating public and nonpublic high school that applies will be awarded a scholarship.

Amount

A $5,000 scholarship award will be paid over four years, in increments of $1,250 per year.

Qualifications

Students must:

• Expect to graduate in June 2008
• Have at least a B average, based on seven semesters of high school
• Have experience in extracurricular and community activities
• Demonstrate leadership skills
• Plan to attend a New York State accredited college, university, trade school, or community college.

Parents/Guardians can not be employed by the New York Lottery or one of its contractors.

 

NYS Memorial Scholarships

Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers and Emergency Medical Service Workers provide financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers*, and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York.

*Peace Officers are defined in the criminal procedures law and include many categories including New York State Correction Officers.

Award Amount

Memorial Scholarships provide funds to help meet the cost of attending college. The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:

• At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.
• At a private institution: an amount equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and average mandatory educational fees (or the student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.
• In all cases, the total of all aid received by the recipient cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance.

 Eligibility

Students must:

• Be matriculated at approved colleges or other post-secondary institutions in New York State.
• Study full time in approved undergraduate programs.
• Have a parent, spouse or were a financial dependent of a firefighter, volunteer firefighter, police officer, peace officer or emergency medical service worker who died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York.

 How to Apply

Students must establish eligibility by submitting a Memorial Scholarship Supplement.

• Once eligibility has been established, the student must submit an application for payment by May 1 of the academic year for which payment of the scholarship is sought. To apply for payment complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), AND the Express TAP application (ETA). There is no fee for these applications.
• Students do not have to submit a Memorial Scholarship Supplement every year, but must submit an application for payment each year.

 Award Payment

Upon certification of eligibility, payment will be made to the school on behalf of the student.

 

NYS Regents Health Care Scholarships in Medicine & Dentistry

New York State Regents Health Care Scholarships in Medicine & Dentistry are awarded annually to students studying medicine or dentistry.

Award Amount
Awards are $10,000 a year, for up to 4 years.

Eligibility

Students must:

• Study full time and be matriculated in approved programs of study in a New York State medical or dental school.
• Be New York State residents.
• Be U.S. citizens or qualifying non-citizens.

Selection is based upon the following priorities:

• Those who are economically disadvantaged and who are members of a minority group historically underrepresented in their chosen profession.
• Those who are members of a minority group historically underrepresented in the chosen profession.
• Those who are enrolled in or graduates of the following opportunity programs: SEEK, College Discovery, EOP, or HEOP.

Service Obligation

Upon completion of study, students must work 1 year for each annual payment received. However, the minimum service requirement is 2 years, even if only 1 annual payment was received. Employment must be in the studied profession and must be in a designated physician-shortage area of New York State. If students do not begin practice within 1 year of program completion, repayment at twice the amount of all scholarship monies received plus interest will be required.

How To Apply

Apply by requesting an application and further information from:
NYS Education Department
Office of K-16 Initiatives and Access Programs
Scholarships and Grants Administration Unit
Room 1078 Education Building Addition
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 486-1319

 

NYS Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships

Students pursuing a career in one of several professions may be eligible to apply for the New York State Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships.

Eligible Programs of Study

Associate Degree Programs (ASSOC)
available at 2-year community colleges and some 4-year colleges

Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BA)
available at 4-year colleges only (no community colleges)

Master's Degree Programs (MA)
graduate programs (beyond the 4-year baccalaureate degree)

Doctoral Degree Programs (Dr./Ph.D./PharmD.)
graduate programs (beyond the master's degree level)

Doctor of Law (JD)
law degree program (after completion of a baccalaureate degree)

Amount

Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year for up to 4 years of study or up to 5 years in certain programs. Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate or graduate students, depending on the program.

Eligibility

Students must:

• Study full time and be matriculated in an approved program of study in New York State.
• Be New York State residents.
• Be U.S. citizens or qualifying non-citizens.

Selection is based on the following priorities:

• Those who are economically disadvantaged and who are members of a minority group that is historically underrepresented in the chosen profession.
• Those who are members of a minority group historically underrepresented in the chosen profession.
• Those enrolled in or graduated from the following opportunity programs: SEEK, College Discovery, EOP, or HEOP.

Service Obligation

Upon completion of study, the student must work as a licensed professional 1 year for each annual payment received. Employment must be in the studied profession and must be in New York State. If the student does not begin practice within 1 year of program completion, s/he will be required to repay twice the amount of all scholarship monies received plus interest.

How to Apply

Apply by requesting an application and further information from:
NYS Education Department
Bureau of HEOP/VATEA/Scholarships
Education Building Addition
Room 1071
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 486-1319

 

NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence

NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence provide up to $1,500 per year for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State.

Amount

This program provides scholarship assistance to outstanding New York State high school graduates. Each year, 8,000 scholarships are awarded - up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 and 6,000 scholarships of $500 to top scholars from registered New York State high schools. Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams. Recipients can also receive other non-loan student aid, but the total cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

Eligibility

Students must:

• Have graduated from high school
• Study full time and be matriculated in an approved undergraduate program of study in a New York State post secondary institution
• Be in good academic standing
• Not be in default on any guaranteed student loan administered by HESC.
• Be U.S. citizens or qualifying noncitizens
• Be New York State residents

Duration

The scholarship must be used within seven years commencing with the first academic year for which the scholarship was awarded. During this period, students are entitled to payment for up to four years of full-time study, or five years if enrolled in a bachelor degree program approved as a program normally requiring five years of study.

How To Apply

To apply, see your high school guidance counselor.

Award Calculation

Each year, up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 are awarded to the top graduating scholar for each registered high school in New York State. The remaining $1,500 scholarships and additional 6,000 scholarships of $500 per year are awarded to other outstanding high school graduates in the same ratio of total students graduating from each high school in New York State as compared to the total number of students who graduated during the prior school year. Awards cannot exceed cost of attendance.

Notification Procedure

The State Education Department will notify the students who have been nominated by their high school to receive the scholarship. HESC also receives notification from the State Education Department. To receive payment of the scholarship, the student must submit an application for payment to HESC by May 1 of each year for which assistance is sought.

Revocation

The scholarship will be revoked if the student begins study at an out-of-state institution. A student who is ineligible to receive payment of the scholarship during the first academic year of eligibility due to enrollment at an out-of-state institution loses all future eligibility for the award. The scholarship cannot be reinstated even if the student subsequently enrolls in a program of study at a New York State institution.

 

NYS Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship

New York State offers scholarships to volunteer fire and volunteer ambulance companies to use as a recruitment and retention incentive for new members.

Who is Eligible?

Volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel who:

How to Apply

Due to the new application deadline date of May 1, 2008, applications for the 2008-09 academic year will be available in January 2008.

Students should request the application supplement from their volunteer company official.

Volunteer company officials may obtain application supplements by contacting the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372.

Application supplements became available in March.

Recipient Selection

If the number of applicants exceeds funding for the program, HESC shall randomly select recipients from the applicant pool. Receipt of the scholarship in future years is based on funding, but preference will be given to renewal scholarships.

Recipient Requirements

Recipients must meet the following requirements:

Award Payment

Payment will be made to college/institution on behalf of students upon certification of eligibility.

Awards will equal the amount of tuition, reduced by any tuition-based grant, but can not exceed the amount of tuition charged by the State University of New York.

Recipients will continue to receive benefits as long as they are continuously enrolled, meet the eligibility requirements and funding is available.

 

NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

The NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship guarantees access to a college education for the families and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible individuals include:

• Children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased or severely and permanently disabled victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States or the subsequent rescue and recovery operations. This includes victims at the World Trade Center site, at the Pentagon, or on flights 11, 77, 93, or 175.
• Survivors of the terrorist attacks who are severely and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the attacks or the subsequent rescue and recovery operations.

How To Apply

Print a copy of the New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship Application and submit it with the necessary documentation to:
 
Higher Education Services Corporation Scholarship Unit
99 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12255

A description of the required documentation is included in the application instructions.

Once eligibility has been established, the student must submit an application for payment by May 1 of each academic year for which payment of the scholarship is sought. Application for payment is made by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) and the Express TAP Application(ETA).

Eligibility Requirements

Effective immediately and retroactive for the 2001-2002 academic year, undergraduate students who are full time and matriculated in an approved program in New York State and meet requirements for the receipt of New York State grants and scholarships are eligible. Recipients need not be New York State residents or U. S. citizens to receive the scholarship.

Note: New York State resident family members who were enrolled in undergraduate colleges or universities located outside of New York State on Sept. 11, 2001 are also eligible for scholarship payment at that school.

Award Amount

World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships provide funds to help meet the cost of attending college. The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:

• At a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY): actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students; and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.
• At a private institution: an amount equal to SUNY four-year college tuition and average mandatory educational fees (or the student's actual tuition and fees, whichever is less) and allowances for room and board, books, supplies and transportation.
• In all cases, the total of all aid received by the recipient cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance.

Award Payment

Payment will be made to the school on behalf of students upon certification of eligibility.

 

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

This competitive federal honors program provides scholarships to academically talented high school seniors who are New York State residents and plan to attend any approved institution of higher education in the United States.

Amount

The scholarship provides for up to $1,500 per year, and is renewable for 4 years. Actual award amounts depend on federal funding. You may receive payment of this award in addition to any other financial aid for which you qualify; however, total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

Award Procedures

To be eligible for this award, you must be a high school student who will receive a high school diploma or GED during the current academic year and plan to enroll in an institution of higher education. The minimum high school average is 95 and 1250 combined SAT scores from the same administration or GED score of at least 310 with the same 1250 SAT scores.

Please see your high school guidance counselor for application information. Awards are made by the State Education Department.

Payment of Award

Payment will be made by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

 

Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program

Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarships are being offered to increase the number of educators and adjunct clinical faculty teaching nursing education in New York State. Awards are made on a competitive basis to applicants who are registered professional nurses enrolling in graduate programs that will qualify them as nursing faculty or adjunct clinical faculty.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be legal residents of New York State for at least one year.
• Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
• Be registered nurses professionally licensed to work in New York State.
• Have been accepted in a graduate program for nursing at an approved institution in New York State.
  Note: Commencing with the 2008-09 academic year, new applicants must be accepted into a master's or doctoral level nursing faculty preparation program at an approved institution that will qualify the applicant as nursing faculty or adjunct clinical faculty in the State of New York.
• Complete and return a service agreement in which they agree to practice as nursing faculty in New York State for four years.

Service Contract

Successful applicants will be required to complete a service contract in which they:

• Agree to provide at least 12 academic credit hours or its equivalent as nursing faculty or as adjunct clinical faculty providing teaching service for four years at an institution in New York State after completing their graduate degree program.
• Agree to repay the amounts disbursed plus interest if they fail to fulfill their service obligation pursuant to the terms of their service agreement.
• Agree to repay the amounts disbursed plus interest if they fail to complete their graduate program within three years.
• Agree to begin fulfilling the 4 year service obligation within 3 years of completing their graduate program.

How to Apply

The deadline for the 2007 Series Patricia McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program has passed.

Applications for the 2008 Series will be available after June 2008.

Duration

Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship payments are available for up to three years of study. Recipients must complete their graduate program within three years of receiving this scholarship.

Applying for Payment

Once selected, recipients must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the subsequent Express TAP Application (ETA) to request payment. This must be done each year they wish to receive payment under this program.

Recipients are not required to submit another Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program Supplement once they have been awarded this scholarship.

Award Payment

The Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Awards cover the cost of attendance up to $20,000 annually or the average SUNY cost of attendance, whichever is less. Payments will be made directly to schools on behalf of students upon certification of their eligibility by their colleges or universities.

To ensure continued payment recipients must:

• Maintain good academic standing. Recipients must continue to pursue their program of study and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Respond to HESC's annual status reports. Recipients should contact HESC if they do not receive a status report each year.
• Stay in touch - inform HESC if any contact information changes.

Questions

Contact the Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 if you have any questions.

 

NYS Aid to Native Americans

Are you an enrolled member of a New York State tribe or the child of an enrolled member of a New York State tribe? You may be eligible for an award through the Aid to Native Americans Program.

Eligibility

Enrolled members of a New York State tribe and their children who are attending, or planning to attend, a college in New York State and are New York State residents.
Awards are made to all eligible applicants. There is no qualifying examination. Awards are available for 2, 4 or 5-year programs.

Available Awards

Awards for full-time students are up to $2,000 annually, $1,000 per semester. Part-time awards are approximately $85 per credit hour.

Application Process

Applications must be postmarked by July 15 for the fall semester, by December 31 for the spring semester, and by May 20 for the summer session. There are no fees for submitting an application. Students must apply for each semester (not annually).

More Information

Specific eligibility criteria and information can be found by writing to:
Native American Education Unit
NYS Education Department
Room 475 EBA
Albany, New York 12234
(518) 474-0537

 

NYS Regents Award for Children of Veterans

The New York State Regents Award for Children of Veterans was created to provide financial aid to students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified times of national emergency.

Who Is Eligible?

Students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency and, as a result of service, either died, suffered a 40% or more disability, was classified as missing in action, or was a prisoner of war. The veteran must currently be a New York State resident or have been a New York State resident at the time of death, if death occurred during or as a result of service.

The periods of service are: Conflict Period of Service

• Afghanistan :              09/11/02 - end of hostilities
• Persian Gulf : 08/02/90 - end of hostilities
• Vietnam/Indochina: 12/22/61 - 05/07/75
• Korean Conflict:        06/27/50 - 01/31/55
• World War II:              12/07/41 - 12/31/46
• Merchant Seamen:   12/07/41 - 08/15/45
• World War I:               04/06/17 - 11/11/18

Students whose parent(s) has been the recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, or the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal for participation in operations in Lebanon, Grenada, or Panama.

The periods of service are: Conflict Period of Service  

• Lebanon:        06/01/83 - 12/01/87
• Grenada:        10/23/83 - 11/21/83
• Panama:        12/20/89 - 01/31/90

Students who were born with spina bifida whose parent(s) is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the US Armed Forces in Indochina between 12/22/61 - 05/07/75. Note: These students must contact HESC at 1-888-697-4372 for application instructions.

Award Amounts

The award is $450 per year.

Applying for Payment?

Complete the Children of Veterans Award Web Supplement. Be sure to print the Web Supplement Confirmation, sign and return it along with the required documentation according to the instructions.

Once you have established your eligibility, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), or call HESC at 1-888-697-4372 to request a Grants and Payment Application by May 1 of each academic year you seek payment. FAFSA and TAP applications are available online at www.hesc.org (See Applying for Financial Aid).

Apply before May 1 of the academic year for which you are requesting payment.

 

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Are you a New York State resident interested in high quality opportunities in community service activities in exchange for an education award? AmeriCorps is the national service initiative that provides funding for nonprofit organizations, agencies and educational institutions to run local programs that engage individuals from all backgrounds in community service activities. Now in its tenth year, more than 2,500 AmeriCorps members serve annually in New York State, and more than 75,000 serve nationally. They address the most pressing education, public safety, homeland security, and human and environmental challenges facing our communities.

Who Is Eligible?

In return for the successful completion of their service, members of AmeriCorps programs receive money for school in the form of an education award that can be applied to outstanding student loans or to future higher educational and vocational training pursuits.

What Awards Are Available?

Full-time AmeriCorps members perform 1,700 hours of service and upon completion, earn an education award of $4,725. Full-time AmeriCorps members may also receive a living allowance, health insurance, and if eligible, child care. Part-time members perform up to 900 hours of service and upon completion, earn an education award of up to $2,363. In some cases, part-time members are also eligible for a living allowance.

When Should You Apply?

It varies. Each AmeriCorps site is run locally, so recruitment strategies, living allowances, service projects and program service designs vary from one site to the next.

How Do You Find Out More Information?

Information about New York State programs can be found by contacting:
NYS Office for National and Community Service
Office of Children & Family Services
52 Washington St.
Rensselaer, NY 12144

Veterans Tuition Awards

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) provide up to $1,000 per semester for full-time study or $500 per semester for part-time study to eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.

Award Amounts

If a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award is also received, the combined academic year award cannot exceed tuition. Thus, the TAP award may be reduced accordingly.

Study Requirements

Full-time Study

 Part-time Study

Approved programs are defined as undergraduate degree, graduate degree, diploma, and certificate programs at degree-granting institutions, or noncredit vocational training programs of at least 320 clock hours specifically approved by the New York State Commissioner of Education for Veterans Tuition Awards.

Eligible Veterans

Eligible students are those who are New York State residents discharged under other than dishonorable conditions from the U.S. Armed forces and are:

These students must also:

How to Establish Eligibility

Complete the New York State Veterans Tuition Award Supplement or contact HESC. Be sure to print the Web Supplement Confirmation, sign and return it along with the required documentation according to the instructions.

Questions regarding eligible service or how to document service should be directed to the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372.

NOTE: Studen

State Financial Aid Information

Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.

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