As New Yorkers prepare to commemorate America\u2019s 250th anniversary, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is reaffirming its commitment to providing New Yorkers the opportunity to pursue the American Dream through accessible and affordable higher education.<\/p>\n
To mark this historic milestone, HESC is launching a special video campaign featuring the leaders of New York\u2019s public higher education institutions. The videos, which can be found on both HESC\u2019s Facebook<\/a> and LinkedIn<\/a> pages, were created in collaboration with the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY). This campaign celebrates education as the foundation of the American Dream while highlighting a shared commitment to expanding access, increasing affordability, and creating more pathways to opportunity for students across New York State.<\/p>\n As the nation reflects on 250 years of progress, the campaign further illustrates the vital role education has played in creating opportunity and its continued importance in shaping New York\u2019s future.<\/p>\n Doris B. Gonz\u00e1lez, Acting President of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation said, \u201cFor 250 years, the promise of America has been rooted in opportunity, and that promise begins with education. Under Governor Kathy Hochul\u2019s leadership, New York continues to make higher education more accessible and affordable, opening doors for students regardless of their background. As we commemorate this historic milestone, HESC remains committed to helping every New Yorker pursue their education goals and achieve the American Dream.\u201d<\/p>\n State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said,\u00a0\u201cAt SUNY, we understand that access to a well-rounded higher education and maintaining a vibrant democracy are intrinsically linked. As we celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary, we are proud to join with Governor Hochul and HESC to reinforce our commitment to an excellent, accessible, and affordable education that empowers New Yorkers to achieve their dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n CUNY Chancellor F\u00e9lix V. Matos Rodr\u00edguez said, \u201cFor generations, CUNY has helped make the American Dream possible by expanding access to higher education for millions of New Yorkers.\u00a0As we celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary, we\u2019re reminded that education remains one of the most powerful pathways to opportunity for our students, their families and the communities they call home. We\u2019re proud to partner with HESC in advancing Governor Hochul\u2019s vision for even greater college access and affordability.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Expanding access to higher education remains a priority through investments in college affordability and student success. HESC is proud to advance that vision by offering 27 grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs that help students overcome financial barriers, complete their education, and move into meaningful careers. Among these key programs is the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)<\/a>, which helps eligible New York State residents pay for college by providing financial aid to students attending approved colleges and universities on a full-time or part-time basis. To learn more about HESC\u2019s scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs, please visit here<\/a>.<\/p>\n HESC also proudly supports New York\u2019s hometown heroes through financial aid programs that recognize the service and sacrifice of military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. These include the Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)<\/a>, along with other financial aid programs<\/a> that help ensure that those who serve their communities have access to the education needed to advance their careers and strengthen their futures.<\/p>\n As America celebrates its first 250 years, HESC looks ahead with a renewed commitment to educational opportunity. When higher education is within reach, individuals thrive, communities grow stronger, and the promise of the American Dream becomes more attainable for all.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n About HESC<\/p>\n HESC is New York State\u2019s student financial aid agency and a national leader in providing need-based grant and scholarship award money to college-going students. At HESC\u2019s core are more than two dozen grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs, including the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Excelsior Scholarship. HESC puts college within the reach of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers each year through programs like these and through the guidance it provides to students, families, and counselors. HESC helps nearly 300,000 students achieve their college dreams each year by providing more than $900M in grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness benefits.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n