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Every February, Black History Month affords us the opportunity to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of the African American community to the fabric of our shared experience as New Yorkers. The New York State Education Department's Office of Cultural Education is thrilled to present an exceptional lineup of exhibits and events for Black History Month 2025. The programming highlights the vibrant tapestry of Black history, culture, and contributions, celebrating extraordinary resilience, transformative excellence, and enduring legacies in New York State and beyond.
This year includes two curated displays and a new exhibit that explores the stories of Black pioneers and civil rights activists, along with engaging programs featuring authors, historians, and performers. Audiences can anticipate thought-provoking discussions, captivating performances, and opportunities to connect with contemporary narratives of progress and perseverance. Central to this month-long celebration is a commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Black history and its profound influence on shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of New York and the nation.
I encourage New Yorkers to dive into the rich culture, creativity, and resiliency presented through these events and exhibits. As we honor this vital piece of our State’s history, we look to the future and renew our commitment to ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
In this edition of the family newsletter, I would like to share important updates on the following topics:
- 2025 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program
- NYS Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibit
- 2024-25 Yavner Teaching and Citizen Awards
- New York State FAFSA Ready Training Program
- News from the New York State Museum
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2025 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program
Applications are now open for the 2025 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program, providing need-based financial assistance for middle and high school students across New York State to participate in after-school and summer arts programs. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully allocated.
In a significant expansion, the 2025 program will shift from a summer-only scholarship to a year-round model, offering consistent funding opportunities throughout both the academic year and summer months. This transition reflects New York State’s ongoing commitment to equity, accessibility, and the development of young artistic talent, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from exploring their creative potential.
For more information on the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program, including detailed application instructions and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program website.
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NYS Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Art & Essay Exhibit
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) kicked off 2025 by honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through an exhibition of student art and essays that reflect his teaching.
Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence inspired 2,221 students from schools across the state to submit their creations for this year's exhibition. The submissions, which include several group projects, mark just the fourth time more than 1,000 pieces of student artwork are on display at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and online for this exhibition.
This annual exhibition is a powerful celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy, showcasing our shared history and culture. It embodies the joy and empowerment that arise from creativity and hard work. I encourage all New Yorkers to view, read, and enjoy our students’ wonderfully creative expressions.
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Board of Regents Honors Winners of the 2024-25 Yavner Awards
At its January 2025 meeting, the Board of Regents honored the winners of the Yavner Award, which recognizes teachers and citizens who have made outstanding contributions to New York State education about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights.
Dr. Daniel Holtzman, Principal of Great Neck North High School, was presented with the 2024-25 Louis E. Yavner Teaching Award for his dedication to cultivating understanding and respect across communities. Through the strong partnership he has forged with the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County and his pioneering efforts with “Names, Not Numbers,” a program through which students learn about the Holocaust using oral history and documentary filmmaking, Dr. Holtzman ensures that both students and educators receive invaluable training and experiences.
The Board of Regents also recognized Jane Pashman, the recipient of the 2024-25 Yavner Citizen Award. As the Long Island Coordinator for 3GNY, an educational non-profit organization founded by grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, she has made it her mission to facilitate programs in schools where third-generation survivors share their grandparents’ experiences. This effort ensures the continuity of these powerful narratives as the number of first-hand witnesses dwindles.
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New York State FAFSA Ready Training Program
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has launched the NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program, which is designed to equip counselors, educators, and support professionals with the resources, tools, and expertise they need to help NYS students navigate the financial aid process.
The NYS FAFSA Ready Training program covers:
Each section includes:
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Training Seminars: You can sign up to attend a live training session or view the recordings anytime. The PowerPoint presentations will be available for all training.
- Downloadable Resources: Informational materials on step-by-step guides to help professionals and students navigate the process and complete follow-up tasks.
- Video Tutorials: A growing library of walkthroughs and how-to videos.
- FAQs: A list of Frequently Asked Questions. This list is updated after each live training seminar.
For more information and to register for upcoming training sessions, visit the FAFSA Ready Training Program website or contact HESC at precollegeservices@hesc.ny.gov.
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News from the New York State Museum
The New York State Museum is thrilling audiences of all ages with a new, dynamic lineup of weekday programs. Visitors can now explore a different public program every Tuesday through Friday—ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Visit the State Museum to explore, learn, and be inspired!
Sign up for the New York State Museum’s monthly newsletter and be the first to discover all of the upcoming family-friendly events and children’s activities at the Museum. From story time and creative crafts to school break week programs and year-round adventures, there’s always something fun and educational happening.
I hope your year is off to a great start. Please be sure to sign up for our family newsletter email list to have these updates delivered directly to your inbox, and encourage other families to do the same!
Sincerely,
Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
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