Locally sourced money
10 New York-centric scholarships to apply for now
B EING a resident of The Big Apple is a qualifier for free money, according to Mark Kantrowitz, publisher and vice president of strategy at Cappex.com, a service that connects students with colleges and financial aid resources. Here’s his top 10 to check out: 1. Excelsior
Families and individuals making up to $100,000 annually qualify to attend tuition-free at all CUNY and SUNY two- and fouryear colleges in New York State. Students must take 30 credits per calendar year and live and work in New York following graduation for the length of time they participate in the program. HESC.NY.gov 2. Horatio Alger Assists high school students who have overcome challenges. Candidates must demonstrate financial need ($55,000 or less adjusted gross income). Co-curricular activities and community service is required. Awards are up to $10,000. Scholars.HoratioAlger.org 3. New York State Master’s in Education Teacher Incentive
Provides eligible students with a full-tuition scholarship for a master’s degree at a SUNY or CUNY institution. Recipients must then teach for five years at a public school, including charters, in New York State. The maximum award is $10,870 or actual tuition, whichever is less. HESC.NY.gov 4. Ascend Educational Fund
Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000 for immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school, regardless of immigration status. AscendFundNY.org 5. NYS STEM Incentive
Offers a full SUNY tuition scholarship to the top 10 percent of students in each NYS high school if they pursue an associate or bachelor’s in science, technical, enginineering or math (STEM). Postgraduation, recipients must live in New York while working in a STEM field for five years. Awards are a maximum $6,670 per year. HESC.NY.gov 6. New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Awarded to New York State high school grads who achieved academic excellence and plan to enroll in a New York State college. Applicants must graduate with a GPA of 3.3 or greater and with honors on a NYS Regents diploma, and within the top 15 percent of the class. Recipients receive an annual award of $500. HESC.NY.gov 7. New York State World Trade Center Memorial
Provided to children, spouses and financial dependents of those who died or were permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Applicants must study at an approved institution in New York State. Award is $23,045 if on campus or $15,125 if commuting. HESC.NY.gov 8. New York State Regents Award for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
Students must have a parent who served in the US Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency, who as a result either died, suffered a disability, was missing in action or a prisoner of war. The veteran must be, or have been, a New York resident. Annual award is $450. HESC.NY.gov 9. Young Scholars Leadership
The Financial Service Centers of New York (FSCNY) assisted by MoneyGram International awards students based on commitment to community service and leadership skills. Awards are between $2,000 and $7,500. FSCNY.org 10. Nancy and Harry Koenigsberg/Textile Study Group of New York
Offers a $1,500 award and a one-year TSGNY membership. The winner can present his or her artwork at the TSGNY meeting. TSGNY.org