As a high school student living in New York, I'm trying to get a head start on searching for scholarships that might be available for state residents. I know there are usually some location-specific opportunities, and I'm really hoping to make the most of them. If anyone has recommendations on scholarships for New York students or advice on the application process, I would love to hear them!
Hello! It's great that you're being so proactive about looking for scholarships as they can really help offset the costs of college. There are multiple resources available for New York residents.
Firstly, every high school senior in New York who intends to attend college should fill out the FAFSA to see if they're eligible for any federal aid, including the Pell grants or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Also, the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) administers the state's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) which is based on financial need, academic qualifications, and the cost of attending the college you're considering.
The New York State (NYS) Scholarship for Academic Excellence is one scholarship program which provides up to $1,500 per year to the top graduating seniors from each high school in New York State for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State.
Also, consider applying to the Excelsior Scholarship, which can cover any remaining tuition costs after other aid for students attending SUNY or CUNY schools. This is particularly useful if you're considering attending an in-state public college or university.
Additionally, students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics should check out the NYS STEM Incentive program. This program provides a full SUNY or CUNY tuition scholarship to the top 10 percent of students in each New York State high school.
In terms of local scholarships, some organizations and foundations that offer scholarships to residents of New York are the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, the Adirondack Trust Company Scholarship, and the Schenectady Foundation's Collyer Scholarship, to name a few.
Remember that each of these scholarships and programs have their own eligibility requirements and application processes, so you'll want to start researching early to make sure you meet all the criteria. It's also a good idea to check with your high school guidance counselor as they might have additional information about local scholarships available in your area.
I hope this helps and best of luck with your scholarship search!
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