The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) today announced the availability of $3.25 million to help low-income and traditionally underrepresented students enter and succeed in college through two new initiatives funded by the State’s federal College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) Program.

 The latest CACG funding opportunities make available $3 million to support organizations and programs that provide crucial college preparatory, enrollment and completion services to low-income students, and another $250,000 to enable low-income students to participate in college campus visits at no cost. 

 “It’s important as a State that we offer initiatives that will have a real and meaningful impact on students’ lives,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “Through CACG-funded projects such as these, New York State is investing in a brighter future for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college or earn a degree.”

 The College Access Challenge Grant program is administered by the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation.  Since 2008, New York State has been awarded over $29 million in CACG funds to increase the rate of low-income, minority, and underserved students who are prepared to apply for, get accepted to, and succeed in college with a priority on students living below the poverty level.  The vast majority of distributed funds have been competitively awarded to not-for-profit organizations with demonstrated experience working with low-income students and families.  In 2011-12, over 65,000 New Yorkers participated in CACG-related events or received CACG-related services.

 “Through CACG, we can provide vulnerable students the tools they need to participate in college at levels equal to that of their peers from more affluent backgrounds,” said Elsa Magee, Acting President of HESC.  “The CACG funds help regional and statewide organizations reach those students and their families with services that build a solid foundation for achieving a college education.”

 Sub-grants of up to $45,000 will be awarded on a first-come first serve basis to reimburse the costs of college tours for low-income students, and sub-grants of up to $50,000 and $200,000 will be competitively awarded for programs that enhance college access for low-income students and their families.

 HESC will award the CACG program and services sub-grants to schools, not-for-profit agencies, and community-based organizations that work directly with at-risk populations and populations that are traditionally underserved.  Types of activities that receive funding include:

• Services focusing on issues of access, academic services, retention and re-enrollment to at-risk populations who are already outside of the P-12 education system;
• Providing mentors, tutors and remediation services to low income middle and high school students.
• Raising awareness of college admission requirements, college costs, affordability, and an understanding of available federal, State and institutional aid;
• Targeted and direct assistance to low income students and families in completing the federal financial aid application, the FAFSA; and
• Providing professional development for middle and secondary school counselors, admissions counselors and financial aid professionals to help them better assist in meeting the educational needs of traditionally underrepresented students and families.

 Detailed information regarding the competitive grant and the College Tour Initiative and how to apply is available at HESC.ny.gov/CACG.

About HESC: HESC is New York State’s student financial aid agency that helps people pay for college and a national leader in providing need-based grant and scholarship award money to college-going students. At HESC’s core are programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), numerous state scholarships, federal college access grants and a highly successful College Savings program. 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. In 2011-12, HESC helped more than 424,000 students achieve their college dreams by providing more than $971.5 million in grants, scholarships and loan forgiveness benefits, including $920.1 million awarded through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).