Assemblyman Thiele Reminds “Dreamers” to Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships for Higher Education Under the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act
Excelsior Scholarship deadline is August 15th
Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, REF - Sag Harbor) reminds qualifying undocumented students educated in New York high schools to apply for state financial aid and scholarships for higher education, including the Tuition Assistance Program and the Excelsior Scholarship, under the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act.
The DREAM Act was enacted as part of the 2019-20 State Budget. It allows undocumented college-bound students who meet certain eligibility requirements – such as receiving a New York State high school diploma or equivalency diploma – to access the state Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other assistance programs, including the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Education Opportunity Program (EOP), Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP) and similar programs at community colleges.
Applicants may seek to determine eligibility for state financial aid available under the DREAM Act year round, however, it should be noted that specific deadlines for individual state scholarship programs are in place, such as the August 15, 2019 deadline for the Excelsior Scholarship. The Assemblyman encourages those interested to visit the website of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) for more detailed information on the eligibility requirements, as well as the application process, at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/. Inquiries regarding the DREAM Act can be directed to NYSDREAM@applyISTS.com or call 888-697-4372.