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As we welcome the warmth and joy of the holiday season, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to you and your families for a season filled with happiness and cheer. Your steadfast commitment to your children's education has a profound impact on our communities. The dedication of you and your families to our students is shaping a brighter future for us all.
In this last letter of 2024, I would like to share important updates on the following topics:
- Board of Regents Budget and Legislative Priorities
- New York State Summer School of the Arts In-Residency Program
- New York State’s Nominees for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
- Financial Aid
- STEM Incentive Program for Aspiring Teachers
- Stunning Prehistoric Find in Orange County
Board of Regents Budget and Legislative Priorities
At the December 2024 Board of Regents meeting, the Board outlined its budget and legislative priorities for the 2025-26 school year and highlighted the need for four meaningful updates to school aid formulas to ensure access to a world-class education for all.
The Board’s top legislative and budget proposals include funding for the State Education Department to begin implementing the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, which were presented to the Board of Regents in November.
Additional State Aid requests include funding to support students with disabilities, planning to create a high school for students in detention, raising the BOCES Aid salary cap, and increasing participation in Career and Technical Education. Details are available in the December Board of Regents presentation.
New York State Summer School of the Arts In-Residency Program
Applications are open for the 2025 New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) In-Residency program. Students in grades 8-12 from across New York State are eligible to apply. All application information, including specific portfolio and audition requirements for each program, are available on the NYSSSA website.
This program will provide students with the opportunity to study alongside professional artists in a competitive yet nurturing environment. Each program will culminate in a public showcase or exhibition. The four-week program will be held on the SUNY Fredonia campus and will run from July 6 to August 2, 2025.
New York State’s Nominees for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
NYSED recently nominated 25 New York State high school seniors for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Presidential Scholar recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Congratulations to the nominees!
Financial Aid
The 2025-26 FAFSA and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications are now open! Students must complete FAFSA and TAP applications each year to receive an award. Check the Higher Education Services Corporation’s (HESC) schedule of events for one-on-one help completing the applications.
Here’s what students and their families need to know:
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FAFSA Renewal: Renewing the FAFSA can be quick and easy. Much of the information provided by students and their families on the previous year’s FAFSA automatically carries over. Students should be sure to update any information that has changed since last year. To renew, visit the Federal Student Aid website and log in as a returning user. Visit the Prepare What You Need page for more information on the documentation needed to complete the FAFSA.
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NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): To request payment of the TAP award each year, students must complete the NYS Student Aid Payment Application, which is linked directly from the FAFSA.
Students applying through the New York State DREAM Act can apply through their DREAM Act account.
Sign up to receive texts from HESC with key information about financial aid, important deadline dates, and resources to help students on their path to higher education.
STEM Incentive Program for Aspiring Teachers
The New York State STEM Incentive Program application opened on December 1. The STEM program provides full-tuition scholarships for eligible students pursuing approved studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) at a SUNY or CUNY college. Visit the STEM Incentive Program page for more details and to apply.
Stunning Prehistoric Find Unearthed in Orange County
A remarkable discovery in Orange County, New York, has unearthed a complete mastodon jaw, marking the first such find in the State in over 11 years. Researchers from the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange recovered the jaw, along with additional bone fragments, from the backyard of a residence near Scotchtown, New York.
The fossils are scheduled for carbon dating and comprehensive analysis to determine the mastodon’s age, diet, and habitat during its lifetime. Following preservation and scientific analysis, the artifact will be featured in public programming at the State Museum in 2025. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting discovery!
Wishing you all a holiday season filled with joy and relaxation.
Sincerely,
Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
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