New York State is starting a new program to help students get financial aid for college. The program is called the FAFSA Ready Training Program. It will help high school counselors, community partners, and support professionals learn how to help students fill out the FAFSA form. The FAFSA form is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is used to apply for financial aid for college.
The program will also help students fill out the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the DREAM Act applications. These are other forms that can help students get financial aid for college.
The FAFSA Ready Training Program will provide educators and other partners with dedicated events, live trainings, and resources. These resources will help them understand the financial aid process and help students complete their applications.
The program is part of Governor Hochul’s Universal FAFSA Completion Legislation. This legislation aims to help more students complete the FAFSA form.
In 2023, more than $225 million in federal financial aid was left unclaimed by New York students. The NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program will serve as an important resource to help educators bridge the gap between the student application experience and access to the vital financial aid they need to achieve their higher education goals.
The program is a partnership between the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the State Education Department, SUNY, and CUNY.
Dr. Guillermo Linares, President of HESC, said, “At HESC, our goal has always been to help students pay for college, and NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program is another wonderful tool in our toolbox to ensure nothing stands between students and the financial aid they need to achieve their dreams. Together with the Governor’s full support, we look forward to helping each student maximize their potential.”
State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “The State Education Department continues to move New York’s education system forward, preparing students for the opportunities they will encounter after graduating from high school. Today’s announcement is great news for all New York State students who wish to pursue higher education. The NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program will provide school counselors, community partners, and others with the tools they will need to better understand and help their students through the college financial aid process. This is a critically important service, especially for those families new to the college application and admission process.”
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