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2026 NYSACAC Scholarship Information

Established in 2011, the NYSACAC Scholarship was created to support NYSACAC’s mission of serving students in their transition to post-secondary education and to promote access to higher education. One-time scholarships, ranging from $500 - $1,000, are awarded each year in support of a student’s pursuit of their higher education.

Applications will be open April 1st through May 15th, 2026.  Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 30th, 2026.

To be eligible for the NYSACAC Scholarship, nominated students must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be nominated by a NYSACAC member, who will complete the nomination form.
  • Reside in New York State.
  • Have/Will Be:
    • Graduated from a New York State public or private secondary school/college; or
    • Completed a home-schooled program in New York State; or
    • Obtained a GED
  • Complete the 2026 NYSACAC Scholarship Essay: In 500 words or less, please illustrate how you have overcome barriers or succeeded with limited resources. 

  • Enroll in or transfer to a college/university undergraduate program beginning in Fall 2026 at a NYSACAC member institution or institution within New York State. Scholarship recipients will be expected to provide proof of matriculation.

For NYSACAC members submitting the nomination form, you must: 

  • Be a NYSACAC member. (Not a member? Become a member by clicking here).  

  • Upload the recommended student’s essay in the nomination form. 

The NYSACAC Scholarship is intended to first be applied toward tuition expenses. If tuition is fully covered by state, federal, or other funding, the NYSACAC Scholarship should be applied to fees not covered such as books, supplies, room and board, misc. expenses.

Julia Forman Honoree 

Each year, one applicant who embodies the values of Julia Forman receives a NYSACAC scholarship in Julia’s name. There is no separate application to be considered for this honor. 

Julia Forman served as a Government Relations Co-Chair on the NYSACAC Executive Board and Legislative Sessions Co-Chair on the Association's Conference Steering Committee, work for which she and her co-chair won the Rising Star Award in 2020. Julia was deeply passionate about her work and dedicated to helping underserved students. She was a friend with a heart of gold who loved as fiercely as she advocated in her work. Her laughter and positive spirit lit up any room. In honor of her legacy, we will award a scholarship in her name to a student who has shown commitment to creating a supportive educational environment by showing a passion for social justice or advocating for positive change in their community.

If you have questions about the NYSACAC scholarship program, please contact [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: How much are the NYSACAC Scholarships?

Answer: Typically, the scholarship ranges from $500–$1,000.

Question: Are there any limits or restrictions on the number of nominations each school/member can make for the NYSACAC scholarships?

Answer: We do not have a specific limit. Please note, however, your students will be competing against one another for potential scholarship opportunities so we ask each organization/school to stay within a reasonable number.

Question: When will students hear if they are being awarded a scholarship?

Answer: Winners will be notified in June.

Question: How do I nominate a student?

Answer: Students are nominated by their counselor through the online application included above (will be available in late February). Please note you must be a NYSACAC member to access the nomination form and for your student to be considered.