The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has officially launched the NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program, designed to empower high school counselors, community partners, and other support professionals with the necessary resources to assist students through the complex college financial aid process.

The program, announced today, aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools needed to help students complete the FAFSA, New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and the DREAM Act applications. This initiative is a crucial step in advancing Governor Kathy Hochul’s Universal FAFSA Completion Legislation, which seeks to increase financial aid participation among New York students.

“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,” said Dr. Guillermo Linares, President of HESC.

“Together with the Governor’s full support, we look forward to helping each student maximize their potential.” The program is also focused on building stronger partnerships with local organizations, including youth programs, nonprofit agencies, and support networks, to ensure that more students have access to guidance during the financial aid application process.

Training sessions will cover a variety of essential topics, including helping educators identify students who may need additional support with completing FAFSA and TAP applications, providing a step-by-step guide for counselors to help students navigate common challenges in the FAFSA application process, and assisting educators in helping students apply for New York’s Tuition Assistance Program and understand eligibility for the DREAM Act.

“This is a critically important service, especially for those families new to the college application and admission process,” said State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “Today’s announcement is great news for all New York State students who wish to pursue higher education.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez also voiced strong support for the program, emphasizing its role in improving college access and affordability for New Yorkers. The launch of this training program comes on the heels of the staggering statistic that in 2023, over $225 million in federal financial aid went unclaimed by New York students.

The NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program is positioned as a key tool to bridge the gap between students and the financial aid they need to succeed.