College Access Challenge Grant Spotlight

Governor Paterson's CACG Small Sub-Grant Award Press Release
Listing of CACG Small Sub-Grant Recipients
The College Access Challenge Grant Program (CACG) fosters partnerships among government, private, and philanthropic organizations, helping them increase the number of low-income, minority, and underserved students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The CAGC accomplishes this by:
  • Providing challenge grants to fund grant-relevant activities.
  • Advancing communication between organizations and individuals with a stake in helping high-need students succeed.
  • Training those who provide the direct support to targeted individuals and communities.

HESC, the lead agency for administering the CACG in New York State, will provide over $8 million during the next two years to fund activities that are consistent with the aims of the CACG. Following are details about the CACG activities HESC is pursuing.

New York College Access Challenge Grant Sub-Grant Programs

The CACG sub-grant process is designed to encourage creative solutions to the challenges facing below-poverty level students intending to go to college, and their families. The CACG program seeks to improve college awareness, readiness, and attendance through early outreach to below-poverty families and through professional development of middle and high school counselors.

The first RFP for CACG sub-grants was issued on December 3, 2008, for amounts under $50,000. Responses to this RFP were due back to HESC on January 6, 2009. HESC has reviewed these responses and determined the awardees. Refer to the spotlight box above for a list of award recipients.

An additional RFP for larger sub-grants of up to $200,000 has been issued. Responses to this RFP are due to HESC by April 7, 2009.

HESC will continue to implement the goals and programs identified in the College Access Challenge Grant. 30 of the smaller sub-grants were awarded and we expect to award 8 of the larger sub-grants to meet the goal of increased access and success for post-secondary education for low-income students.

Projects Supported Through Sub-Grants – Projects supported through sub-grants include:
Providing information to students and families regarding postsecondary education and career preparation;
  • Promoting financial literacy and debt management;
  • Conducting outreach activities;
  • Assisting students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA);
  • Providing need-based grant aid;
  • Conducting professional development for guidance counselors at middle and secondary schools, financial aid administrators, and college admissions counselors;

Additional HESC CACG Activities

Professional Development – HESC offers professional development training and support for front-line providers serving the needs of students/families at or below the federal poverty level. These include school counselors, college financial aid administrators and admissions reps, and education counselors of community organizations.

Public Information Campaign – HESC pursues statewide public information campaigns that promote awareness of college access and college success and reinforce and support activities in the target communities. In addition, HESC provides online resources for participating organizations, students and families.

Get Involved

Apply for a Sub-Grant
HESC is now soliciting proposals for larger sub-grants (up to $200,000). Responses to this RFP are due by April 7, 2009.

Prospective bidders that are interested in, and capable of, providing the required services must contact Chet Fiske, Contracts Management Specialist, at HESC, 99 Washington Avenue, Room 1500, Albany, NY 12255, phone: 518-402-3662, or by e-mail at cfiske@hesc.org.

Participate in New York College Access Network (NYCAN)
HESC is developing the New York College Access Network (NYCAN) The New York College Access Network (NYCAN) is a network of schools, colleges, community-based organizations, education agencies, and other organizations that share the work of guiding high-need students toward higher education success.

NYCAN provides participants with a forum for developing and coordinating initiatives that help targeted high-need students, beginning in middle school, take advantage of college and career planning opportunities, prepare for and achieve academic success, and take the necessary steps for college application and financial aid, while also establishing a statewide college access community in which all students may participate.

NYCAN also supports and extends local programs that have demonstrated success in raising the rate of college attainment for high-need students. Get involved in the New York College Access Network by contacting Kenneth Storms at 518-473-7197.

Learn More about Professional Development
For additional information about the professional development programs administered by HESC, contact Kenneth Storms at 518-473-7197.