New York Student Financial Aid on Facebook

ALBANY, NY (12/08/2009)(readMedia)-- Finding out how to pay for college just got a little easier. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has launched its Facebook page, New York Student Financial Aid. HESC is the State agency that helps people pay for college.

Because of the popularity of Facebook and the number of users on social media sites, government agencies like HESC are logging on to communicate with the public they serve. "Facebook was initially launched as a way for college and high school students to interact with each other, and they continue to be one of its largest network groups, said Kathy Crowder, Senior Vice President of Communications at HESC. "Providing college access and financial aid information in this arena adds considerably to our tools that get the resources to finance higher education to those who need it," she added.

Governor David A. Paterson has also voiced his support of social media as a government information source. "New York wants a more open policy with its citizens and greater accessibility to government agencies than ever before. HESC's Facebook page is a powerful communication tool that allows them to provide those students and families who choose to participate with the information they want and need."

"HESC recognizes that many people interact and communicate through Facebook, so we embrace social media as another opportunity to share important information with college-bound students and their families," Crowder continued. "Our Facebook page alerts our fans to news and updates about preparing for college, including dates for college fairs, applying for aid and filing the FAFSA."

"Facebook is a popular tool for connecting people with those around them," said Mark Humbert, Director of Financial Aid at the State University of New York College at Oswego. "College and high school students spend a great deal of time on Facebook, so it makes sense for HESC to expand its online footprint and engage with students and families directly, making the information they need available to them where they are most likely to find it," he added.

Current Facebook users can become fans of HESC and join the conversation about getting ready for, going to and graduating from college by searching "New York Student Financial Aid." Recent posts have included spotlights on specific New York State scholarships and other important calendar events. Recently, the page featured video tips for taking the SAT's prepared by the Williamsburg Charter High School in Brooklyn, NY. Future posts will include suggestions for completing the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, tax tips for college students and families and calendar alerts for spring college fairs.

About HESC: The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation is the State's student financial aid agency, providing more grant and scholarship awards to students than any other state in the nation. In 2008-09, HESC helped nearly 600,000 students achieve their dream of attending college by providing $4.6 billion in grants, scholarships and loan guarantees, including $813 million awarded through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to more than 375,000 students. HESC also assists schools and students with advanced default prevention, financial literacy and counseling programs, and provides training and technical services to college financial aid administrators, high school counselors.

###