Financial Aid / Scholarships
If you were not able to attend our FAFSA Night, hosted by Julieta Schiffino, click the link below to review the presentation!
FAFSA
The Free Application of Federal Student aid is first step in applying for financial aid for college expenses. Here a some helpful sites and information to complete this process.
Phone number: 800-433-3243
Website:https://studentaid.gov/
HESC Upcoming and On-Demand Virtual Events
Register here for Virtual Events:
TAP
The New York State Student Aid Payment Application.This online application process allows you to apply for New York State's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), as well as for payment of a scholarship for which you have already been approved.
You must submit a FAFSA application to receive payment for TAP.
Senator Jose Peralta New York State Dream Act
The New York State Dream Act gives undocumented and other students access to New York Sate administered grants and scholarships that support their higher education costs.
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award Institutional (their own) aid.
Link for CSS Profile Overview:
CSS Profile Guide:
Excelsior Scholarship Information
Financial Aid Info:
- Once you finalize your college applications, the next step is to apply for financial aid. You will need to create a FSA ID as well as ONE parent. This is done to protect your information as well as give you the right to sign the FAFSA electronically. You can start this by visiting www.fsaid.ed.gov.
- Once you receive your ID verification, the next step is to visit www.fafsa.gov
- For select private colleges, you will have to submit the CSS Profile. Please visit http://css.collegeboard.org/ for a listing of colleges that require this additional financial form.
- Please remember to input your correct email address as this is the only form of communication FAFSA will use.
- Initially, you can list up to 10 colleges on the FAFSA. You can add more once it is processed (in 3 days). Simply log back into your FAFSA account, delete the colleges and add your new choices.
- For the FAFSA, you will be using prior year income tax information for 2021. If you had any special financial/personal circumstances occur during 2021, please contact the Financial Aid office at EACH college!
- REMEMBER TO STOP AT THE FAFSA CONFIRMATION PAGE! CLICK THE RECTANGLE BOX IN THE LOWER LEFT HAND CORNER TO LINK WITH THE NYS TAP APPLICATION. If you miss it, then go directly to https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.htm
- For the NYS TAP Grant, you must apply separately once you have submitted the FAFSA. Apply at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html
- You are encouraged to file and complete the FAFSA sooner than later as government funds are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Recommended deadline to submit: January 15th-February 1st
- The Excelsior Scholarship for NYS Public Colleges will be available in late spring 2022. Go to: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/the-excelsior-scholarship.html
- The STEM Incentive Scholarship is available now for high achieving students interested in pursuing a STEM major. Go to: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/nys-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-incentive-program.html
- Undocumented Students: Please look into the NYS DREAM ACT APPLICATION which can give you opportunity to receive state grants if you qualify. https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/
If you have any specific questions concerning your personal financial situation, please direct them to:
FAFSA HOTLINE at 1-800-4FED-AID or 1-888-NYSHESC (1-888-697-4372)
SCHOLARSHIPS
Albert Shanker UFT Scholarship - www.uft.org/shanker $5000 AWARD! Are you in financial need? Are you in good academic standing? Do you have a resume of extracurricular activities? Then apply today! Deadline: January 15, 2022. Download the application at www.uft.org/shanker
ASCEND EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC. SCHOLARSHIP FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS The award range is from $2500-$20,000 and open to immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a NYC high school and plan to attend college. Eligible students must be born outside of the US or have two parents born outside the US. Recipients will be selected based on qualities traditionally valued and demonstrated by the immigrant community: hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance in the face of adversity, academic achievement, leadership and commitment to one's community. Application can be found online at www.ascendfundny.org. November 8, 2021 – Application opens online February 4, 2022 – Online scholarship application closes
DREAM US SCHOLARSHIP FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS You are eligible to apply for our scholarship if you meet the following eligibility criteria (and the additional eligibility criteria set forth below): You must have current DACA or TPS or certify that you meet the following immigration eligibility criteria: Came to the United States before the age of 16; Have continuously resided in the United States since November 1, 2015 up to the present time and have had no lawful status; Are currently in high school or have graduated from a United States high school or obtained a general education development (GED) certificate from a United States Program; and Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors in the categories which would have disqualified you for DACA, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety. In addition to our immigration criteria, you will need to confirm that you meet the criteria below – depending on whether you are applying for our Scholarship for high school graduates or for community college graduates.
Here are the criteria:
If you have graduated or will graduate from high school or a GED program by the end of the Spring 2022 term this scholarship may be for you!
You are eligible to apply if you: Have significant unmet financial need; Have graduated or will graduate from a United States high school (or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma) by the end of the 2021-22 academic year; Graduated or will graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale; Intend to enroll full-time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program at a Partner College no later than the Spring term of 2022-23 academic year; and Are eligible for in-state tuition at the Partner College you want to attend (not applicable if it is a private Partner College). https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/guidelines/
MILKEN SCHOLARS PROGRAM - Milken Scholars Program celebrates and supports academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, as well as school and community service among college-bound students who have overcome social, economic or other obstacles. Minimum grade point average of 3.6 (un-weighted) or 90 in all academic high school subject areas; Minimum composite SAT I score of 1350 or an ACT score of 29; Active participation in community service activities; A record of leadership; Financial or other obstacles; United States Citizenship or Permanent Residency or have been granted deferred action status under DACA; and Admission to a four-year college or university prior to final selection. Milken Scholars receive financial assistance totaling up to $10,000 and a range of resources that include: An annual monetary recognition award of $2,000 for each of their four years of college; Deadline: November 19, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.milkenscholars.org/our-program/
NEW YORK’S SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH – STEM INCENTIVE AWARD: Eligible students must rank top 10% of class, Students must be a STEM major, and also students must commit to live in NY and work in the STEM field in NY for five years after graduation. For more info. apply at hesc.gov.
RON BROWN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program provided you meet the following requirements: must be Black/African American, must excel academically, must exhibit exceptional leadership potential, must participate in community service activities, demonstrate financial need, be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card, be a current high school senior at the time of your application. To Apply https://www.ronbrown.org/section/apply/rbsp-application. Application now open, Deadline: January 9, 2022.
SCHOLARSHIP PLUS - Scholarship Plus offers such students a four-year college scholarship PLUS individualized support. Each scholarship will be renewable annually for up to four years of study as long as the student maintains a good academic record and makes standard progress toward a degree. Scholarship Plus also provides each student with: a paid internship, mentoring, a college transition workshop, academic and personal support and more. Strong academic achievement (85% or higher GPA) Significant financial need (family income up to $60k) Experience in overcoming economic or other adversity, a commitment to community service; Preference will be given to students whose parents have not graduated from American four-year colleges or universities Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents. Application opens November 1, 2021.; www.scholarshipplus.org.
WELLS FARGO SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activity); Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; Be a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll or who is already enrolled in full-time or half-time (at least 6 credits per term) undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2020-2021 academic year. https:// learnmore.scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship/ .
ASCEND EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC. SCHOLARSHIP FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS The award range is from $2500-$20,000 and open to immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a NYC high school and plan to attend college. Eligible students must be born outside of the US or have two parents born outside the US. Recipients will be selected based on qualities traditionally valued and demonstrated by the immigrant community: hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance in the face of adversity, academic achievement, leadership and commitment to one's community. Application can be found online at www.ascendfundny.org. November 8, 2021 – Application opens online February 4, 2022 – Online scholarship application closes
DREAM US SCHOLARSHIP FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS You are eligible to apply for our scholarship if you meet the following eligibility criteria (and the additional eligibility criteria set forth below): You must have current DACA or TPS or certify that you meet the following immigration eligibility criteria: Came to the United States before the age of 16; Have continuously resided in the United States since November 1, 2015 up to the present time and have had no lawful status; Are currently in high school or have graduated from a United States high school or obtained a general education development (GED) certificate from a United States Program; and Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors in the categories which would have disqualified you for DACA, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety. In addition to our immigration criteria, you will need to confirm that you meet the criteria below – depending on whether you are applying for our Scholarship for high school graduates or for community college graduates.
Here are the criteria:
If you have graduated or will graduate from high school or a GED program by the end of the Spring 2022 term this scholarship may be for you!
You are eligible to apply if you: Have significant unmet financial need; Have graduated or will graduate from a United States high school (or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma) by the end of the 2021-22 academic year; Graduated or will graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale; Intend to enroll full-time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program at a Partner College no later than the Spring term of 2022-23 academic year; and Are eligible for in-state tuition at the Partner College you want to attend (not applicable if it is a private Partner College). https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/guidelines/
MILKEN SCHOLARS PROGRAM - Milken Scholars Program celebrates and supports academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, as well as school and community service among college-bound students who have overcome social, economic or other obstacles. Minimum grade point average of 3.6 (un-weighted) or 90 in all academic high school subject areas; Minimum composite SAT I score of 1350 or an ACT score of 29; Active participation in community service activities; A record of leadership; Financial or other obstacles; United States Citizenship or Permanent Residency or have been granted deferred action status under DACA; and Admission to a four-year college or university prior to final selection. Milken Scholars receive financial assistance totaling up to $10,000 and a range of resources that include: An annual monetary recognition award of $2,000 for each of their four years of college; Deadline: November 19, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.milkenscholars.org/our-program/
NEW YORK’S SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH – STEM INCENTIVE AWARD: Eligible students must rank top 10% of class, Students must be a STEM major, and also students must commit to live in NY and work in the STEM field in NY for five years after graduation. For more info. apply at hesc.gov.
RON BROWN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ron Brown Scholar Program provided you meet the following requirements: must be Black/African American, must excel academically, must exhibit exceptional leadership potential, must participate in community service activities, demonstrate financial need, be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card, be a current high school senior at the time of your application. To Apply https://www.ronbrown.org/section/apply/rbsp-application. Application now open, Deadline: January 9, 2022.
SCHOLARSHIP PLUS - Scholarship Plus offers such students a four-year college scholarship PLUS individualized support. Each scholarship will be renewable annually for up to four years of study as long as the student maintains a good academic record and makes standard progress toward a degree. Scholarship Plus also provides each student with: a paid internship, mentoring, a college transition workshop, academic and personal support and more. Strong academic achievement (85% or higher GPA) Significant financial need (family income up to $60k) Experience in overcoming economic or other adversity, a commitment to community service; Preference will be given to students whose parents have not graduated from American four-year colleges or universities Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents. Application opens November 1, 2021.; www.scholarshipplus.org.
WELLS FARGO SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activity); Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent; Be a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll or who is already enrolled in full-time or half-time (at least 6 credits per term) undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire 2020-2021 academic year. https:// learnmore.scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship/ .
THE AXA ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP The AXA Achievement Scholarship provides $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 scholarship. In addition, for every student who wins a scholarship, a grant in the amount of $1,000 will be made to the winner’s school. Seeking students with ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family and community, ability to thoughtfully convey how they identified a challenge and volunteered to strengthen their community through service, Ability to succeed in college. Applicants to the Scholarship must: Be United States citizens or legal residents Be a high school senior applying to college for the fall 2020 semester; Demonstrate ambition and self-drive as evidenced by outstanding achievement in school, community or work-related activities; Because reducing risk is woven into the fabric of our company, special consideration is given to achievements that empower society to mitigate risk through education and/or action in areas such as financial, environmental, health, safety and/or emergency preparedness. Visit https://us.axa.com/axa-foundation/AXA-achievement-scholarship.html Deadline: January 28,2022.
Click here for a listing of scholarships -