Dear Parents and Families, | | |
October is a month full of celebration, reflection, and opportunity across New York State. We’re honoring the contributions of workers with disabilities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, welcoming new leadership at the New York State Museum, and highlighting New York State History and Archives Month—all showcasing the strength and diversity of our state.
This newsletter also includes valuable resources and opportunities for families, including expanded access to early literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, support for students applying to college, and guidance on securing financial aid.
I hope you find this edition of the family newsletter informative and helpful. Thank you for being a vital part of our education community.
| | Board of Regents and NYSED Visit Syracuse | | |
This month, Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., Commissioner Betty A. Rosa, members of the Board of Regents, and senior leaders from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) visited Syracuse as part of a statewide effort to strengthen the continuum of education, from early childhood through higher education and career pathways.
During the visit, they met with educators, students, and community leaders to hear firsthand how schools, colleges, and workforce partners can better collaborate to support learners. These conversations are helping shape a more coordinated and equitable education system across New York State, and the visit highlighted how local perspectives directly influence statewide education policy.
| | Chancellor Young, Commissioner Rosa, members of the Board of Regents, and NYSED senior staff visited Career & Technical Education classrooms and held the October Board of Regents meeting at Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES. | | Chancellor Young, Commissioner Rosa, members of the Board of Regents, and NYSED senior staff visited STEAM High School, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and the Upstate Simulation Center in Syracuse. | | NYSED Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month | | |
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) proudly joins the nation in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by recognizing businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities.
To mark the occasion, NYSED hosted a special event at the State Education Building honoring the contributions of workers with disabilities across New York State. The program featured inspiring remarks from Commissioner Betty A. Rosa and Associate Commissioner Christopher Suriano. We were also honored to have our distinguished colleagues participate: Lisa Drzymala read the official NDEAM proclamation, and Julia Rood delivered a powerful and uplifting keynote address.
| | Pictured from top left clockwise: Julia Rood, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa, Lisa Drzymala, and Associate Commissioner Christopher Suriano | | This year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent,” which will be promoted through additional events statewide, hosted by the Department’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services—Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and partner organizations throughout the month of October. Many of these events aim to offer employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Find a list of events and regional award winners on our website. | | A New Chapter at the New York State Museum—Introducing Director Jennifer Saunders | | The New York State Museum is excited to welcome Jennifer Saunders as its new Director! With bold ideas, fresh energy, and a passion for connecting communities with history, science, and culture, this is the start of an inspiring new chapter. Join us in giving Director Saunders a warm welcome! | | October is New York State History and Archives Month | | |
Throughout the month, historians, scholars, curators, preservationists, librarians, archivists, genealogists, re-enactors, and educators across the state come together to celebrate and promote New York’s rich and complex history. It’s also a time to honor the essential role of archives in recording and preserving our history. We recognize the enduring value of our documentary heritage and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.
Join the New York State Museum and the New York State Archives this month for a range of special programs.
| | New York State Library Awards Nearly $500K to Expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Programs Statewide | | |
The New York State Library has awarded $499,149 in competitive grants to 20 organizations, supporting 25 local programs that bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to communities across New York State. These grants will cover up to 50% of program partner costs, making it easier for libraries, schools, and nonprofits to connect young children with the joy of reading.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a community-based literacy initiative that provides one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth through age five, regardless of family income.
| | New York State College Application Month | | |
October is New York State College Application Month (CAM), a statewide initiative to help more students take the important step of applying to college.
Nearly 130 colleges and universities throughout New York State are waiving their application fees for College Application Month! That means students can apply to multiple colleges without the burden of application fees, removing a big barrier and making it easier for students to pursue their college goals.
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) leads this effort, providing students and families with resources, guidance, and support to make the college application process less stressful and more affordable.
Visit HESC’s College Application Month website for a complete list of participating schools and fee waiver dates.
| | 2026-27 New York State STEM Incentive Program | | |
The 2026-27 New York State STEM Incentive Program application is now open for NYS students who plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY college.
To be eligible, students must:
- Be ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class at a NYS high school.
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Enroll in an undergraduate program in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
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Commit to living and working in a STEM occupation in New York State for five years.
Students must apply for STEM during their senior year of high school. Students who don't meet citizenship or residency requirements may still qualify for New York State financial aid through alternate pathways, like the Senator José Peralta NYS DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Path. Visit the Applying for Aid webpage to learn more.
The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is August 15, 2026. To learn more and to apply, visit the HESC New York State STEM Incentive Program website.
| | FAFSA & TAP Are Now Open! Apply Early! | | |
The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications are now open! Applying early means you’ll know your aid eligibility sooner, have time to fix any errors, and give colleges the information they need to build your financial aid package.
Steps to Apply:
- Create your StudentAid.gov account.
- Complete your FAFSA.
- Use the state link at the end to complete your TAP application.
Students who don't meet citizenship or residency requirements may still qualify for New York State financial aid through alternate pathways, like the NYS DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Path. Visit the Applying for Aid webpage to learn more.
Need help completing your FAFSA or TAP? Attend one of HESC’s virtual FAFSA/TAP completion events! Check out all HESC events.
Don’t Miss Out on Financial Aid: Sign up to receive HESC texts with key information about financial aid, important deadline dates, and resources.
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In closing, I’d like to take a moment to recognize National Principals Month. Please join me in thanking the dedicated leaders of your children’s schools who work tirelessly to support our students, staff, and communities throughout the year.
I truly appreciate all that you do to support your children and their schools. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Sincerely,
Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
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