The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) joined students, educators and community leaders at Walton Educational Complex in the Bronx to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event honored the cultural contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities while also recognizing College Application Initiative, which supports New York students as they take their first step toward higher education through application fee waivers at participating colleges and universities.
The celebration, held in the Walton Campus Auditorium, featured student performances, cultural presentations and remarks from education leaders, including HESC Acting President Doris B. González, who delivered the keynote address.
The event also highlighted an opportunity to raise awareness about the financial resources available to help New York students overcome barriers to higher education, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Excelsior Scholarship, NYS STEM Incentive Program and other state-supported financial aid initiatives. HESC representatives, CUNY staff, and school personnel were onsite to help students navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. Students also learned about College Application Initiative, which helps support students.
HESC Acting President Doris B. González said, “Hispanic Heritage Month and the NYS College Application Initiative share a powerful message every student’s story matters, and every student deserves the chance to write the next chapter. As we honor the culture, resilience and contributions of Hispanic communities across New York, we also want every young person to know that college is within reach, no matter their background, zip code or family history. Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable, New York students have access to financial aid that can open doors and make higher education a real possibility. During College Application Initiative I encourage students to take that first step and submit a college application.”
New York City Department of Education Chancellor Dr. Kamar Samuels said, “Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the incredible cultural richness, resilience, and brilliance that our Hispanic and Latino students bring to our schools every single day,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “As we celebrate these contributions, it is important that we also clear the path to their future success by ensuring every student knows that college is within their reach. Thanks to our partners at HESC and our shared commitment with Governor Hochul to breaking down financial barriers, we are empowering our young people in the Bronx and across New York City to turn their dreams of higher education into reality.”
International School for Liberal Arts Principal Gicel Adon said, “When students feel seen, valued, and connected to their community, they begin to recognize the possibilities that exist for their future. As educators, we have a responsibility to create spaces where students can embrace their cultural identity, see their potential, and believe that higher education is within their reach. Our students’ stories, languages, and heritage are an important part of who they are and the unique perspectives they bring to our community and the world.”
New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino New Yorkers, while reaffirming our responsibility to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Education has always been a powerful pathway to opportunity, but that pathway must be accessible to every student, regardless of their background, circumstances, or zip code. Through initiatives like New York’s College Application Initiative, we are equipping students with the resources and support to pursue their dreams. When we remove barriers and open doors to higher education, we do more than change individual lives. We strengthen families, communities, and the future of our state.”
Connecting students with opportunities for higher education through College Application Initiative
Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, New York State has continued to expand access to financial aid, helping more students and families afford a college education.
As part of these efforts, more than 130 colleges and universities across New York are waiving application fees for high school seniors as part of the 2026 College Application Initiative (CAI). The initiative is designed to support first-generation college students and help make the college application process more accessible. Led by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the Association of Private Colleges (APC) and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU).
2026 application waiver periods
- CUNY – Through November 16, 2026
- SUNY – Through November 2, 2026
- Participating Private Colleges and Universities
A complete list of participating colleges and universities, along with additional information about available application fee waivers, is available.
During the 2024–25 academic year, HESC administered approximately $935 million in financial aid to nearly 294,000 students statewide, underscoring the significant role state financial aid programs play in making higher education more accessible.
Through HESC, eligible students can access several programs designed to make higher education more affordable, including:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Provides grants to eligible New York State residents attending approved colleges and universities in New York. Recent expansions have increased income eligibility and the minimum award, allowing more students and families to benefit.
- Excelsior Scholarship: Provides eligible students attending SUNY and CUNY colleges with the opportunity to attend tuition-free when combined with other financial aid.
- NYS STEM Incentive Program: Provides tuition awards to eligible New York State high school graduates who graduate in the top 10 percent of their class and pursue an approved science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree at a SUNY or CUNY college. Students must apply during their senior year of high school and meet program requirements, including a post-graduation work commitment in New York State.
- NYS DREAM Act: Provides eligible students access to state-administered grants and scholarships that can help make higher education more affordable.
Students and families can learn more about the NYS College Application Month, financial aid programs, eligibility requirements and application deadlines by visiting hesc.ny.gov.
About HESC
HESC is New York State’s student financial aid agency and a leader in making higher education more affordable, accessible, and attainable. Guided by its mission to help people pay for college and its vision of building a brighter, more equitable New York, HESC empowers students to pursue their educational dreams.
HESC offers more than two dozen grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs, including the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Excelsior Scholarship. Each year, HESC provides nearly $1 billion in financial aid to approximately 300,000 students, helping to put college within reach for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Through these programs and the support it offers to students, families, counselors, and financial aid professionals, HESC is committed to creating opportunities and transforming lives through education.
