The 2009 New York State Budget includes funding for returning NYS Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship holders, but does not include funding for granting awards to new nominees.

Who is Eligible?

Volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel who:
  • Have been New York State residents for at least one year
  • Are enrolled in an approved undergraduate degree program in New York State.
  • Have a course load of at least six credits per term
  • If 23 years of age or older, have less than six months of volunteer service at time of initial award
  • If under 23 years of age, no minimum or maximum time of volunteer service is required at time of initial award
  • Are not in possession of a baccalaureate degree or higher
  • Are attending a college/institution within 50 miles of the volunteer organization, or if no college is available within the 50-mile limit, the nearest college/institution. Program of study is not a determining factor. Recent legislation allows for an exception to the fifty mile radius requirement if you enter into a joint service agreement with your company and a "Host" company whose service area contains the school where you are enrolled.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Have applied for state and federal financial aid

How to Apply

Returning Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship holders must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and TAP on the Web application to receive payment for the 2009-10 academic year. FAFSA and TAP applications and instructions are available at www.hesc.org.

The 2009 NYS Budget does not include funding for granting awards to new nominees.

Recipient Selection

If the number of applicants exceeds funding for the program, HESC shall randomly select recipients from the applicant pool. Receipt of the scholarship in future years is based on funding, but preference will be given to renewal scholarships.

Recipient Requirements

Recipients must meet the following requirements:
  • Maintain good academic standing.
  • Maintain a "C" average.
  • Maintain status as an active volunteer with the volunteer organization for duration of scholarship.
  • Maintain continuous enrollment in college/institution for duration of scholarship.
  • File for state and federal financial aid.

Award Payment

Payment will be made to college/institution on behalf of students upon certification of eligibility.

Awards will equal the amount of tuition, reduced by any tuition-based grant, but can not exceed the amount of tuition charged by the State University of New York.

Recipients will continue to receive benefits as long as they are continuously enrolled, meet the eligibility requirements and funding is available.

Note: Legislation enacting the 2008-09 New York State budget included changes to certain grant, scholarship and loan forgiveness programs to meet statutorily mandated savings. As a result, the award amount to each student will be reduced by 2 percent.