New York State Reminds Families of Sept. 11 Victims and Heroes to Use Scholarships

ALBANY, NY (09/11/2008)(readMedia)-- As New Yorkers today mourn the loss of life in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks seven years ago, the state is reminding families of the victims and heroes of the attacks that scholarships are available to help them pay for college.

"Today, as we remember the heroes and victims of the terrorist attacks on our shores seven years ago, we also remember their loved ones who still endure the pain of their losses," said James C. Ross, president of the New York State Higher Education Services Corp. (HESC), the state agency that administers the New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship.

"This scholarship guarantees access to a college education for the families and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts," Ross added.

The award covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study, or five years in an approved five-year bachelor's degree program.

Whether attending a public or private college or university, the scholarship pays up to 98 percent of the actual tuition and mandatory educational fees at the State University of New York or City University of New York rates, including actual room and board charged to students living on campus or an allowance for room and board for commuter students, and allowances for books, supplies and transportation.

In all cases, the total of all financial aid received cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance.

Scholarship details can be found on HESC's Web site at www.hesc.org.

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