Program Description

This program provides grant assistance to help eligible undergraduate students meet tuition charges. Awards are calculated based on New York State net taxable income.

a. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an award the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements;
• enroll as a full-time student;
• enroll in an approved program of study in a New York State postsecondary institution;
• be matriculated;
• be in good academic standing; have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards;
• have a minimum tuition liability of at least $200 per academic year ($100 per semester, $67 per trimester);
• not exceed the income limitations established for the program (see Appendix A).

Students who first receive aid in:

a. academic year 1996-97 to academic year 2006-07 must have:

• a high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED), or
• a passing score as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test.

b. academic year 2006-07, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test independently administered and evaluated as provided by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

c. academic year 2007-08 and thereafter, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test identified by the NYS Board of Regents and independently administered and evaluated by the Commissioner of Education.

More detailed information on eligibility is in Chapter 3. 

b. Duration

Undergraduate students can receive payments for a total of four academic years (eight semesters). However, undergraduates enrolled in two-year programs cannot receive more than three years of payment. 

Undergraduate students can receive payments for a fifth academic year if they are currently enrolled in an approved five-year baccalaureate program or an approved educational opportunity program. (Payments received through the Supplemental Tuition Assistance Program are not counted in determining the number of payments received for TAP. See STAP Section 1.02.) 

HESC tracks the number of payments each student has received and will not approve further payment once the limits have been reached. 

c. Award Calculation 

TAP awards are calculated as an annual entitlement based on New York State net taxable income for the preceding tax year and are prorated and paid on a term basis. 

TAP awards are intended to meet part of a student's tuition charges and can never exceed 100% of the student's tuition liability. 

In addition to income and tuition liability, the factors listed below also affect the calculation of a TAP award:

• other family members enrolled in postsecondary education;
• other educational benefits received;
• financial independence;
• level of study;
• type of institution; and
• prior payment.

More detailed information on each of the above factors is in Chapter 3. 

HESC calculates the actual amount of a student TAP award using formulas from the TAP award schedules in Appendix A of this manual. To determine the student's TAP award, the reduction figure, derived from the award schedules, is subtracted from student's tuition liability,or the maximum award listed for the schedule, whichever is less. 

The statute governing the TAP program provides that a student's award must be reduced by $100 per academic year when the student has received the equivalent of four or more semesters of TAP payments. Additional information on how to calculate an award is in Chapter 4. 

d. Application Procedure

Students must submit an application for payment to HESC by June 30 of the academic year for which an award is sought. See Chapter 4 for detailed information on application procedures.

The STAP program operates in conjunction with the TAP program to provide additional tuition assistance for undergraduate students. Benefits apply to students who require remediation and are enrolled in an approved non-credit-bearing program of remedial study during a summer term immediately before and/or after the initial year of matriculated study.

Statute precludes students enrolled in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), the Education Opportunity Program (EOP), the Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge Program (SEEK) or the College Discovery Program (CD) from receiving assistance through this program.

a. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an award the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements;
• enroll in an approved program of study in a New York state postsecondary institution;
• be matriculated;
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards;
• not have received payment of TAP or any other state award prior to the 1995-96 academic year;
• be enrolled in a program of non-credit-bearing remedial study during a summer term on either a full-time basis (the equivalent of 12 semester hours of remedial coursework) or half-time basis (at least six semester hours of remedial coursework); and
• not exceed the income limitations established for the TAP program (see Appendix A).

Students who first receive aid in:

a. academic year 1996-97 to academic year 2006-07 must have:

• a high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED), or
• a passing score as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test.

b. academic year 2006-07, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test independently administered and evaluated as provided by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

c. academic year 2007-08 and thereafter, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test identified by the NYS Board of Regents and independently administered and evaluated by the Commissioner of Education.

More detailed information on eligibility is in Chapter 3. 

b. Duration

A student may receive one award for the summer term before the initial year of matriculated study and one award for the summer term following the initial year of matriculated study. Either award may be for full- or half-time study. Receiving a STAP award does not reduce a student's TAP eligibility. 

c. Award Calculation

The amount of a STAP award for full-time study during a summer term will equal one-fourth the annual award the student would have been eligible to receive under the TAP program. The STAP award for half-time summer study will equal one-eighth the annual award for which the student would have been eligible under the TAP program. 

d. Application Procedure

Students do not apply directly for STAP. They must apply for a TAP award and indicate that they will be attending the summer term. The college will notify HESC during the certification process if the student is to receive a STAP payment rather than a TAP award for the summer term. 

This program provides financial aid to children or stepchildren, if the natural parent is deceased, of veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency. Applicants are eligible if, as a result of such service, the parent died or suffered an injury or illness later resulting in death; suffered a 40 % or more disability; is classified as a former prisoner of war; or is missing in action. 

a. Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for an award the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements;
• enroll as a full-time student;
• enroll in an approved program of study in a New York State postsecondary institution;
• be matriculated;
• be in good academic standing; have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards; and
• be enrolled as an undergraduate student.

Students who first receive aid in:

a. academic year 1996-97 to academic year 2006-07 must have:

• a high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED), or
• a passing score as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test.

b. academic year 2006-07, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test independently administered and evaluated as provided by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

c. academic year 2007-08 and thereafter, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test identified by the NYS Board of Regents and independently administered and evaluated by the Commissioner of Education.

Students must also be the child or stepchild of a veteran who meets the following parental criteria: 

• must have served in the United States Armed Forces during one of the following periods:
• April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918;
• December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946 (or in the Merchant Marine from Dec. 7, 1941, to Aug. 15, 1945);
• June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955;
• December 22, 1961, to May 7, 1975;
• June 1, 1983, to December 1, 1987, and be a recipient of expeditionary medal for service in Lebanon;
• October 23, 1983, to November 21, 1983, and be a recipient of expeditionary medal for service in Grenada;
• December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990, and be a recipient of expeditionary medal for service in Panama; or
• August 2, 1990, to end of hostilities in the Persian Gulf;
• September 11, 2001, to end of hostilities in Afghanistan.

And one of the following conditions must apply to the parent: 

• died while serving or died as a result of illness or injury incurred during such service and was a legal resident of New York State at time of death; or
• died, and at time of death had a 40 % or more disability as a result of injury or illness incurred during such service and was a legal resident of New York State (The death need not have been a result of the disability.); or
• have a 40 % or more disability as a result of an injury or illness incurred during such service, have been honorably discharged from the armed forces and be a legal resident of New York State; or
• be classified as a former prisoner of war and be a legal resident of New York State; or have been a legal resident of New York State when classified as missing in action.

The Administrator of Veterans' Affairs or the separate branch of the United States Armed Forces determines "death" or "disability." 

b. Duration 

Students can receive payment for four years of undergraduate study or five years if enrolled in an approved five-year baccalaureate program or approved educational opportunity program. 

c. Award Calculation 

The amount of the award is $450 per year, prorated by term. If a student also receives a TAP award, the combined award can be no greater than tuition. HESC would reduce the TAP award accordingly. 

d. Application Procedure 

Applicants for this award must submit a special eligibility application - Child of Veteran Award Supplement - which is available from HESC by request. This supplement establishes students' eligibility for the award and is submitted only when students initially apply for the award. Students must also submit an application for an award by June 30 for each academic year. See Chapter 4 for detailed information on payment application procedures. 
 

This program is intended to provide financial aid to children and spouses of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers and emergency medical service workers who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York. 

* Correction Officers are defined as peace officers in the criminal procedures law, therefore surviving spouses and children are eligible for this scholarship. 

a. Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for an award the student must: 

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements;
• enroll as a full-time student;
• enroll in an approved program of study in a New York State postsecondary institution;
• be matriculated;
• be in good academic standing; have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards;
• be enrolled as an undergraduate student; and
• be the child or spouse of a police officer, peace officer, firefighter, or volunteer firefighter who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty while employed by New York State or any of its political subdivisions.

Students who first receive aid in:

a. academic year 1996-97 to academic year 2006-07 must have:

• a high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED), or
• a passing score as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test.

b. academic year 2006-07, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test independently administered and evaluated as provided by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

c. academic year 2007-08 and thereafter, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test identified by the NYS Board of Regents and independently administered and evaluated by the Commissioner of Education.

More detailed information on eligibility is in Chapter 3. 

b. Duration 

The student can receive payment for four years of undergraduate study or five years of undergraduate study if enrolled in an approved five-year baccalaureate program or an approved educational opportunity program. 

c. Award Calculation 

The Memorial Scholarship award will equal the applicant's actual tuition cost or the State University of New York (SUNY) undergraduate tuition, whichever is less. Students attending institutions with tuition charges higher than SUNY's may, if eligible, receive additional TAP assistance. 

Memorial Scholarships also provide funds to meet the non-tuition costs of attending college. At SUNY and CUNY (City University of New York) colleges, the annual award would equal the non-tuition cost of attendance less any federal Pell Grant and any other federal and state-funded scholarships or grants. Approved non-tuition costs include room and board, a books allowance, supplies and transportation. At a private college, the award would equal the average of the non-tuition costs at SUNY colleges less any federal Pell Grant or other federal and state-funded scholarships or grants.

For students who do not live on campus, the Commissioner of Education has set the room and board allowance. The Commissioner of Education also sets annually the allowance for books, supplies and transportation for all students. 

Additional information on award calculation is in Appendix D. 

d. Application Procedure

Applicants for this award must submit a special eligibility application - Memorial Scholarship for Families of Deceased Police Officer and Firefighter Supplement - which is available from HESC by request. This supplement establishes students' eligibility for this award and is submitted only when the student initially applies for this award. Students must also submit an application for the award by June 30 of the academic year for which assistance is being sought. See Chapter 4 for detailed information on payment application procedures. 

This program provides financial assistance to help Vietnam Veterans, Persian Gulf Veterans and Afghanistan Veterans studying on either a full-time or part-time basis meet tuition charges. 

a. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an award the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• be a legal resident of New York State;
• be matriculated in an undergraduate or graduate degree, diploma or certificate program in a New York State institution or registered in an approved vocational training program of at least 320 clock hours;
• register as a full-time student (12 credits per semester) for a full-time award, or as a part-time student (three to 11 credits per semester) for a part-time award;
• be in good academic standing; have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards;
• have served in the United States Armed Forces in Indochina between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975, if awarded as a Vietnam Veteran;
• have served in the Persian Gulf hostilities between August 2, 1990, and the cessation of hostilities, if awarded as a Persian Gulf veteran;
• have served in the Afghanistan hostilities between September 11, 2001, and the cessation of hostilities, if awarded as an Afghanistan veteran;
• have served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal;
• have been discharged from the Armed Forces under other than dishonorable conditions;
• apply for a federally sponsored Pell Grant (if an undergraduate); and
• apply for a TAP award (if a full-time student).

Students who first receive aid in:

a. academic year 1996-97 to academic year 2006-07 must have:

• a high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED), or
• a passing score as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test.

b. academic year 2006-07, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test independently administered and evaluated as provided by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

c. academic year 2007-08 and thereafter, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test identified by the NYS Board of Regents and independently administered and evaluated by the Commissioner of Education.

b. Duration 

Undergraduate Degree-Granting Programs - Awards are available for up to the equivalent of eight semesters (four years) of full-time undergraduate study. Awards can be made available for up to the equivalent of ten semesters (five years) of full-time study for enrollment in an approved five-year undergraduate program. 

Graduate Degree-Granting Programs - Awards are available for up to the equivalent of six semesters (three years) of full-time graduate study. 

Vocational Training Programs - Awards are available for up to a maximum of four semesters (two years) of full-time study or eight semesters (four years) of part-time study in an approved vocational training program. 

Note: The VTA is not limited to 36 points at a two-year school.

c. Award Calculation 

Full-time study - A recipient shall receive an award of up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition for New York state residents at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less. 

Part-time study - Awards will be prorated by credit hour. (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).

d. Application Procedure 

Students must complete the New York State Veterans Tuition Award Supplement on HescWeb or contact the HESC Scholarship Unit to establish eligibility. Students must print the Web Supplement Confirmation, sign and return it along with the required documentation according to the instructions. The requirement for establishing eligibility needs to be met once, at the onset of the student’s application for the VTA. Students previously approved for this award must apply for payment each year. 

Undergraduate and Graduate Full-time & Part-time Study – Students must apply for payment each year by doing one of the following:

• Apply online by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — the form used by most colleges, universities and vocational schools for awarding federal student aid and most state and college aid , and then linking to the TAP on the Web application; or
• For veterans who do not anticipate filing a FAFSA, complete a Scholarship Grant Payment Application. For a copy of the application call HESC at 1-888-697-4372.

Vocational Training Program – Students must complete only the Veterans Tuition Award Supplement each year. 
 

For detailed information: NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship 

The following programs provide financial assistance on the basis of academic achievement. Recipients are selected by the New York State Education Department. Awards are paid through HESC and are described in sections 1.11 to 1.14. 

This academically competitive 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 are awarded to the top scholars in the state, and 6,000 scholarships of $500 each are awarded to other outstanding graduates. The New York State Education Department selects recipients. 

a. Eligibility Criteria

To receive the scholarship, the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements;
• enroll as a full-time student (There is an exception in the student's final term of study: if the student needs fewer than 12 credits to complete the program, the student may attend part-time during the last semester to complete graduation requirements.);
• enroll in an approved undergraduate program of study in a New York State postsecondary institution;
• be matriculated;
• be in good academic standing; and have at least a cumulative "C" average after two annual payments
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards;

Students who first receive aid in:

a. academic year 1996-97 to academic year 2006-07 must have:

• a high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED), or
• a passing score as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test.

b. academic year 2006-07, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test independently administered and evaluated as provided by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

c. academic year 2007-08 and thereafter, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test identified by the NYS Board of Regents and independently administered and evaluated by the Commissioner of Education.

More detailed information on eligibility is in Chapter 3. 

b. 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. However, students enrolled in two-year programs cannot receive more than three years of payment. 

Military service personnel and national welfare servants in, for example, the Peace Corps may receive an extension of up to three years of the seven-year period when the scholarship must be used. Extension requests must be made in writing. An approval does not increase or in any way alter the number, amount, or methods of payment made under the scholarship. 

c. Award Calculation

Each year up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 are awarded to the top graduating scholar for each high school in New York State. Additionally, 6,000 scholarships of $500 per year are awarded to other outstanding high school graduates. Scholarships are awarded to New York State high school graduates in ratio of a high school's number of graduating students in the previous school year to the total number of New York State graduates in the previous school year. 

d. Application Procedure

The State Education Department will notify HESC and those students who have been selected to receive the scholarship. To receive scholarship payment, the student must also apply to HESC by June 30 of the academic year for which assistance is being sought. See Chapter 4 for detailed information on payment application procedures. 

e. Revocation 

The scholarship will be revoked if the student begins study at an out-of-state institution. A student who is ineligible for scholarship payment during the first academic year of eligibility because of being enrolled in an out-of-state institution loses all future eligibility for the award. HESC cannot reinstate the scholarship even if the student later enrolls in a program of study at a New York State institution. 
 

This competitive financial aid program provides financial assistance to students enrolled in a degree program in a field of study leading to licensure by the State Education Department. The New York State Commissioner of Education designates the fields of study. Medicine and Dentistry are not approved for this award. 

This scholarship program is subject to an annual appropriation determined by the New York State Legislature. The number of awards available each year can vary depending on legislative action. (This program has not been funded for the 2011-12 academic year)

Scholarships are awarded by the New York State Education Department and are paid through HESC. 

Categories of Candidates 

Priorities for selecting scholarship recipients are:

1. candidate who is economically disadvantaged and a member of a minority group that is historically under-represented in the profession for which the scholarship was awarded
2. candidate who is a member of a minority group that is under-represented in the profession for which the scholarship was awarded
3. candidate who is enrolled in or is a graduate of a state-sponsored opportunity program such as SEEK, College Discovery, EOP or HEOP

If the number of candidates with the same priority exceeds the number of available scholarships in an award area, SED awards scholarships by random selection.

a. Eligibility Criteria 

To receive the scholarship the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements;
• enroll as a full-time student;
• be matriculated;
• be in good academic standing; have at least a cumulative "C" average after two annual payments
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards; and
• enroll in a program in a field of study leading to Regents licensure as designated by the New York State Commissioner of Education. (Designated fields of study can be at the undergraduate or graduate level and are listed in the State Education Department application booklet for this scholarship program in a New York State institution.) Approved fields of study for this scholarship are listed in Appendix B.

Students who first receive aid in:

a. academic year 1996-97 to academic year 2006-07 must have:

• a high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (e.g., GED), or
• a passing score as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test.

b. academic year 2006-07, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test independently administered and evaluated as provided by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

c. academic year 2007-08 and thereafter, must have:

• a U.S. high school diploma, or
• the recognized equivalent, or
• a passing score on a federally approved ability-to-benefit test identified by the NYS Board of Regents and independently administered and evaluated by the Commissioner of Education.

More detailed information on eligibility is Chapter 3. 

b. Duration 

The scholarship will be available for a total of seven years beginning with the first academic year. During the seven-year period, students are entitled to payments for up to four academic years or the equivalent. 

c. Award Calculation 

The maximum annual award of $5,000 is reduced by $1 for every $4 of total family income exceeding the established income figure for the economically disadvantaged. The minimum annual award is $1,000. However, no award can exceed the student's cost of attendance. If the student also receives a TAP award, the combined award cannot exceed cost of attendance. In these cases, HESC would reduce the TAP award accordingly. 

d. Application Procedure 

Students must submit an application to the State Education Department by the deadline established for this program, which is normally January preceding the academic year for which assistance is sought. Those students selected to receive a scholarship must submit an application to HESC by June 30 of the academic year for which assistance is being sought. 

e. Concurrent Awards 

A scholarship winner who receives any form of aid that the New York State Commissioner of Education has determined cannot be held concurrently with the scholarship is not eligible to receive payment while receiving such aid. However, HESC does not revoke the scholarship, and if the concurrent aid is later not available to the student, HESC will pay the scholarship. If otherwise eligible, a student who receives concurrent aid may still receive a TAP award. However, the combined award cannot exceed cost of attendance. In these cases, HESC would reduce the TAP award accordingly. 

More detailed information on concurrent awards is in Chapter 3 under "Other Educational Benefits." 

f. Revocation

HESC can revoke the scholarship for any of the following reasons:

• The student is enrolled at an out-of-state institution during the first academic year of eligibility. The student loses all future eligibility for the award. The scholarship cannot be reinstated even if the student later enrolls in a program of study in a New York State institution.
• The student does not comply with the rules, regulations or conditions of the institution.
• The student does not comply with the New York State Education Commissioner's regulations or with any of HESC's provisions for using the award.
• The scholarship is awarded through error or contrary to law.
• The student is enrolled in a program of study not approved for this scholarship.

g. Rewards

If a recipient declines a scholarship, HESC will reward it to the next-highest ranking candidate up to January 31 of the academic year for which the scholarship was originally awarded. The same conditions that apply to original scholarship recipients also apply to recipients of rewarded scholarships. 

h. Service Requirements

HESC requires scholarship recipients to practice their profession for which the scholarship was awarded in New York State. HESC requires 12 months of service for each annual payment received. Within one year of completing their programs of study, scholarship holders must forward to HESC for approval a plan for completing their service obligation. Recipients who fail to provide the required service will be required to repay twice the amount of assistance received plus liquidated damage and interest at the maximum prevailing rate within a five-year period. Repayment can be excused on grounds of extreme hardship. 
 

This program provides financial assistance to students who are enrolled in medicine or dentistry programs of study and who agree to serve in a New York State area designated as a physician shortage area or an area with a population that has a demonstrably lower level of dental or medical care. 

This scholarship program is subject to an annual appropriation that the New York State Legislature determines. The number of awards available each year varies depending on legislative action. The New York State Education Department awards scholarships, and HESC pays them. (This program has not been funded for the 2011-12 academic year)

Categories of Candidates

Priorities for selecting scholarship recipients are candidates who are:

1. economically disadvantaged and members of a minority group that is historically under-represented in the profession for which the scholarship was awarded
2. members of a minority group that is under-represented in the profession for which the scholarship was awarded
3. enrolled in or are graduates of a state-sponsored opportunity program, such as SEEK, College Discovery, EOP or HEOP

If there are more candidates with the same priority than there are scholarships in an award area, HESC awards scholarships by random selection. 

a. Eligibility Criteria

To receive the scholarship the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements;
• enroll as a full-time student;
• enroll in an approved program of study in a New York State postsecondary institution;
• be matriculated;
• be in good academic standing; have at least a cumulative "C" average after two annual payments
• not be in default on any State or federal student loan or on any repayment of state awards; and
• enroll in a program of study in medicine or dentistry.

More detailed information for each of the above eligibility criteria is in Chapter 3.

b. Duration 

Students can receive award payment for up to four years of study or eight semesters. 

c. Award Calculation

The maximum annual award is $10,000, prorated by term. However, no award can exceed the student's cost of attendance. If a TAP award is also received, the combined award cannot exceed cost of attendance. In these cases, HESC would reduce the TAP award accordingly. 

d. Application Procedure 

Students must submit an application to the State Education Department by the deadline established for this program, which is normally January before the academic year for which assistance is sought. Those students selected to receive a scholarship must submit an application to HESC by June 30 of the academic year for which assistance is sought. 

e. Leave of Absence 

A student who is unable to use the scholarship during the first academic year of eligibility must submit a written request for a leave of absence to HESC by January 31 of the academic year. 

HESC may grant a leave for:

• health reasons,
• financial condition,
• military or national service, or
• other individual circumstances.

HESC may not grant a leave for:

• unapproved study at an institution outside New York State;
• study in a program not approved for the scholarship; or
• failure to be admitted to a program of study for which the scholarship was granted.

These students must decline the scholarship but can re-apply in later years if admitted to an appropriate program of study. 

f. Concurrent Awards 

If pursuant to regulations, the New York State Commissioner of Education determines a form of aid cannot be held concurrently with the scholarship, the scholarship winner is not eligible to receive payment while receiving such aid. However, HESC does not revoke the scholarship, and if the concurrent aid later is not available to the student, HESC will pay the scholarship. If otherwise eligible, a student who receives concurrent aid may still receive a TAP award. However, the combined award cannot exceed the cost of attendance. In these cases, HESC would reduce the TAP award accordingly. 

More detailed information on concurrent awards is in Chapter 3 under "other educational benefits." 

g. Revocation

HESC can revoke the scholarship for any of the following reasons:

• The student is enrolled at an out-of-state institution during the first academic year of eligibility. The student loses all future eligibility for the award. The scholarship cannot be reinstated even if the student later enrolls in a program of study in a New York State institution.
• The student does not comply with the rules, regulations or conditions of their institutions.
• The student does not comply with the New York State Education Commissioner's regulations or with any of HESC's provisions for using the award.
• The scholarship is awarded through error or contrary to law.
• The student receives another award or fellowship that has a service obligation.

h. Rewards

If a recipient declines a scholarship, SED rewards it to the next-highest ranking candidate up to January 31 of the academic year for which the scholarship was originally awarded. The same conditions that apply to original scholarship recipients also apply to recipients of rewarded scholarships. 

i. Service Requirement

HESC requires scholarship recipients to serve either in an area of New York State designated as a physician shortage area or in an area with a population that has a demonstrably lower level of dental or medical care. HESC requires 12 months of service for each annual payment received. However, HESC requires a minimum of 24 months of service, even if the student only received one annual payment. Within one year of completing their professional training, scholarship holders must forward to HESC for approval a plan for completing their service obligation. Recipients who fail to provide the required service will be required to repay twice the amount of assistance received plus liquidated damage and interest at the maximum prevailing rate within a five-year period. Repayment can be excused on grounds of extreme hardship. 
 

This program provides a $1,500 annual award to outstanding high school seniors. The New York State Education Department selects recipients based on SAT or ACT scores and high school performance. HESC pays awards, which are intended to help students meet college expenses, through the school on a term basis. This is a federally funded program, and awards are subject to an annual congressional appropriation. Depending on funding, SED awards 340-400 scholarships annually to New York State students for study in or outside New York state. (This program has not been funded for the 2011-12 academic year)

a. Eligibility Requirement

To receive the scholarship the student must:

• meet one of the United States citizenship requirements;
• meet New York State residency requirements at time of initial award;
• enroll as a full-time student;
• be matriculated;
• be in good academic standing;
• not be in default on any Federal or State made student loan;
• graduate from a New York State high school or receive a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma by the end of the school year in which the scholarship was awarded; and
• enroll in any approved institution of higher education in the initial academic year for which the scholarship was awarded.

More detailed information regarding eligibility criteria is in Chapter 3. 

b. Duration 

Students can receive a total of four years, or eight semesters, of payment. 

c. Award Calculation

The scholarship provides $1,500 annually, prorated by term. 

d. Application Procedure

HESC sends a Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Payment Application and a Certification of Eligibility for Federal Assistance form to scholarship winners. Scholarship winners must complete both forms and return them to HESC by June 30 of the academic year for which assistance is being sought. 

e. Leave of Absence

Leaves of absence are available for students unable to use the scholarship. Students must submit a written request for leave to HESC. 

f. Concurrent Awards

Under federal regulations covering this Title IV program, the total of all Title IV federal aid cannot exceed cost of attendance. A federal Pell award cannot be reduced because a student received a Byrd award. The Byrd award would be reduced, and loans would be reduced before a Byrd award would be. 

g. Revocation

A recipient’s scholarship can be revoked if the student:

• fails to graduate from high school;
• fails to enroll in an institution of higher education in the year for which the scholarship was awarded;
• fails to comply with the rules, regulations or conditions of the institution the student attends; or
• receives the scholarship through error or contrary to law.

h. Re-awards 

The New York State Education Department will announce alternates, if any. Payment will be subject to the availability of funds. 

i. Retroactive Payments

Retroactive payment of the scholarship is not permitted. 

j. Service Requirements 

There are no service requirements. 
 

This is a state-funded, campus-administered program that provides tuition assistance funds to part-time undergraduate students attending a participating degree-granting institution in New York State. HESC has posted a separate APTS Handbook describing policies and procedures governing this program. 
 

The following state-funded and/or state-administered student aid programs have been discontinued and are no longer available to students.

• Regents College Scholarships
• Regents Nursing Scholarships
• Regents Physician Shortage Scholarships
• Regents Professional Education Scholarships
• Regents Award for Children of Deceased State Corrections Officers and Civilian Employees of a Correctional Facility
• Empire State Challenger Scholarships Fellowships
• Empire State Scholarship of Excellence
• New York State Health Services Corps Scholarship
• New York State Primary Care Scholarships
• New York State Public Employees Scholarship
• Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program
• Liberty Scholarship Program
• Herbert H. Lehman Graduate Fellowships

Listed below are guidelines relating to the types of state-sponsored student aid programs that may or may not be received during the same term. 

a. TAP

Students can receive a TAP award in conjunction with any other award or scholarship described in this chapter except STAP or APTS. TAP awards received in conjunction with a scholarship cannot exceed the cost of attendance. TAP awards received in conjunction with all other awards cannot exceed the cost of tuition. HESC reduces the TAP award by the amount the combined awards exceed these limits. 

b. AID FOR PART-TIME STUDY

An APTS award cannot be received in conjunction with any other award except the Veterans Tuition Award and the Volunteer Recruitment Services Scholarship. The combination of APTS with VTA or VRSS cannot exceed tuition.


c. ROBERT C. BYRD SCHOLARSHIPS

Award of this scholarship has no effect on any other award described in this chapter.

d. OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Generally students cannot receive payment of more than one scholarship. However, a scholarship can be received in conjunction with other awards, but the combined awards cannot exceed the cost of attendance. HESC reduces the other award by the amount the combined awards exceed this limit. A scholarship for Academic Excellence may be held with a Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarship.