Gov. Paterson Invites College-Bound Students to Explore NY’s Colleges, Tuition Assistance Program and Scholars

ALBANY, NY (09/16/2008)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson and President of the State Higher Education Services Corp. (HESC) James C. Ross invite New York's college-bound students to reach higher by learning more about college, scholarship, and financial aid options this fall as the college fair season in New York State kicks off Sept. 21 in Old Westbury, NY.

Governor Paterson said: "I'm encouraging all college-bound high school students to visit one of the college fairs being held across the state this fall, meet the hundreds of college representatives in attendance, and learn about colleges and the financial aid options available in New York State."

"Our state is first in the nation when it comes to giving money to college students and the crown jewel among state-sponsored student grant programs continues to be the New York State Tuition Assistance Program, the largest need-based student grant program in the United States. In addition to TAP, New York offers more than 20 scholarships and loan forgiveness programs to help New York students reach their dream of higher education," the governor added.

The New York State Higher Education Services Corp. (HESC), the state agency that helps people pay for college, is launching its fall tour of college fairs, bringing financial aid information and counseling to thousands of students and families across the state and encouraging students to attend schools in New York.

HESC President Ross said: "High school juniors are learning more about their college choices by going to regional college fairs and meeting with admissions representatives. Seniors, with college applications in hand, are looking for ways to finance their college choices. New York provides information and counseling about federal and state financial aid, including program eligibility and information about applying for grants and scholarships by participating in college fairs across the state."

HESC.org is the state's Web site that offers guidance and the latest information about college access, state and federal financial aid, financial planning, plus academic and career planning for students, families and school counselors.

A complete college fair schedule can be found on the HESC Web site: www.hesc.org.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Ronald S. Kermani, HESC's senior vice president for communications, at (518) 473-1264. His home phone is (518) 456-5160 and beeper is (518) 422-3906. Kermani's e-mail is rkermani@hesc.org.