New York State Math & Science Teaching Incentive Scholarships are being offered to encourage students to pursue careers as secondary math and science teachers (grades 7-12).

What are the eligibility requirements for the New York State Teaching Incentive Scholarship?

Eligibility requirements for the NYS Math & Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship are that you must:
  • be U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • be attending a college located in New York State
  • be matriculated in a program leading to a degree as a secondary education math or science teacher
  • have a college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
  • sign a service contract where you agree to work for five years in New York State as a secondary school math or science teacher
  • not be in default on a federally guaranteed student loan
  • not have a service obligation under another program
  • have completed a minimum of one semester of study in the academic year for which you are applying
  • complete a minimum of 12 credits per semester with a total of 27 credits for each academic year you are applying for payment. This rule applies to both undergraduate as well as graduate students.
    NOTE: You may earn fewer than 12 credits ONLY in your last term of study, if less than a full-time course load is necessary to complete your degree.

How do I apply for the New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program?

If you meet the eligibility criteria you may apply for a scholarship for your full-time attendance by completing the New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program Supplement. Supplements are available on the HESC Web site after January 1 of each academic year and must be postmarked by March 15 of the academic year to be eligible.

How do I receive payment of my award if selected?

You must apply for payment each year. Current NYS residents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). FAFSA and TAP application instructions are available Apply for TAP or you may contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a Scholarship and Grant Payment Application.

Applicants who are not residents of NYS may contact the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372 to request a Scholarship and Grant Payment Application

I am not a New York State resident but was told that I may still be eligible to apply for the scholarship. Is this correct?

This is correct, you do not need to be a New York State resident to be eligible to apply for the scholarship, however; you must attend a school in New York State and sign a service contract agreeing to work for five years in New York State as a secondary education math or science teacher (grades 7-12) recognized by the Board of Regents or the State University of New York – regardless of the number or amount of award payments.

What is the amount of the award that I will receive if I qualify?

The amount of the annual award will equal the cost of undergraduate tuition at a SUNY school or the tuition charged, whichever is less. Currently SUNY tuition is $4,995.00.

How many years will I be eligible to apply for the scholarship?

If you continue to meet all the eligibility requirements, as stated above, you can receive award payments for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study and one year of full-time graduate study.

If I attend school part-time, will I still be eligible for the scholarship?

No, you must be enrolled as a full-time student in order to be eligible and earn at least 27 credit hours or the equivalent in a course of study leading to a secondary education degree in the fields of math or science. You must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for the academic year and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all academic years of undergraduate and graduate study. You may attend less than full-time during your last undergraduate term if less than a full-time course load is necessary to complete your degree.

What will happen if after I have received an award I change my degree program or decide not to become a secondary math or science teacher?

The amount of any award(s) you have received will revert to a loan (at a fixed interest rate equal to the maximum rate published annually by the U.S. Department of Education for FFELP Parent PLUS Loans at the time of the initial application for this award) that you must repay.