New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Honors 9/11 Survivors, First Responders and Their Families Through Continued Support
Published
World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship Continues New York’s Commitment to Families and Survivors Impacted by the September 11 Attacks
More Than $14 Million in World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships Awarded to 667 Students in 2024-25
Expanded Veterans Tuition Award and Other State Programs Provide Education Support to Veterans, Service Members and Their Families
ALBANY, NY — As New Yorkers come together today to remember the 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) reaffirms its commitment to supporting 9/11 survivors, first responders and their families. HESC honors their courage, sacrifice and resilience by highlighting college financial aid to those affected by 9/11, as well as veterans, service members and military families across New York State, helping ensure that they have access to the resources they need to pursue their educational goals.
At the center of that commitment is the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to survivors who were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the attacks or subsequent rescue and recovery operations, as well as the children, spouses and financial dependents of those who died or were severely and permanently disabled. The program applies to those impacted at the World Trade Center, the crash site of American Airlines flight 77 on the grounds of the Pentagon and the crash site of United Airlines Flights 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as those involved in subsequent rescue and recovery efforts.
“Twenty-five years after September 11, we carry the memory of nearly 3,000 innocent lives in our hearts and honor the families and communities forever changed by that day,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Through HESC, New York continues to uphold a promise to the children and loved ones of those we lost by opening doors to higher education and brighter futures. Their dreams are part of the legacy of those we remember, and our commitment to them will never fade.”
During the 2024-25 academic year, HESC awarded more than $14 million in World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships to 667 students.
HESC Acting President Doris B. González said, “We will never forget the lives that were lost, the families who endured unimaginable loss and the extraordinary courage of those who responded. I believe remembrance carries a responsibility to continue showing up for those whose lives were forever changed by that day. Through the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship and the programs we administer for veterans and military families, New York is helping turn that commitment into something meaningful — the opportunity to pursue an education, build a future and know that their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
The scholarship is available to students attending SUNY, CUNY and NYS private degree-granting colleges and covers tuition equal to the resident undergraduate cost of attendance at a state-operated SUNY or the actual cost of attendance, whichever is less. Eligible educational expenses can include tuition, mandatory fees, housing and food, books, supplies and transportation. Income does not affect eligibility. Applicants can qualify at any income level, provided other eligibility requirements are met. Applications are accepted year-round.
SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVED
The September 11 attacks also ushered in a generation of Americans who answered the call to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. New York State continues to honor their service and sacrifice through financial aid programs administered by HESC that support veterans, service members and their families as they pursue their educational goals.
Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, New York expanded the Veterans Tuition Award (VTA). Effective July 1, 2025, veterans with at least four years of active-duty service became eligible for the award even if they did not serve in combat or a designated combat theater. Combat veterans continue to qualify regardless of length of service.
The VTA provides eligible veterans with tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as approved vocational training programs in New York State. For full-time study, the award can cover up to the amount of undergraduate tuition charged to New York residents at SUNY, or the student’s actual tuition, whichever is less. In 2024-25, HESC provided more than $1.5 million in Veterans Tuition Awards to 375 students. Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, eligible veterans can transfer their unused award eligibility to a family member, such as a spouse, a child up to the age of 26, or a financial dependent.
Additional programs administered by HESC include:
- Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship: Provides up to the cost of attendance for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the Armed Forces or state-organized militia who died, became severely and permanently disabled while performing their military duties, or were classified as missing in action while New York State residents. In 2024-25, HESC awarded nearly $6.5 million in MERIT Scholarships to 341 students.
- NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans: Provides annual awards to eligible undergraduate students whose parents served during wartime and suffered severe disability or death. 2024-25 awarded $80,000 to 189 students.
- NYS Memorial Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to the children, spouses and financial dependents of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers and emergency medical service workers who died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to New York State. The scholarship can cover up to the average cost of attendance at a state-operated SUNY college or the student’s actual cost of attendance, whichever is less.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "As we honor the legacy of those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks, SUNY also reaffirms that our mission to provide affordable academic excellence and a path for New Yorkers to achieve their dreams will never waiver. Governor Hochul's continued leadership with initiatives like the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship embodies our commitment to ensuring survivors, service members, and their families receive the support they need to thrive."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY is proud to join Governor Hochul and state leaders in offering steadfast support to the survivors and families impacted by the tragic September 11 attacks. Through the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship, and significant New York investment, we are delivering on our promise so generations of New Yorkers can gain an excellent education."
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “September 11 left an indelible mark on CUNY—from the tragic loss of lives across our campuses, including 67 John Jay alumni, students and faculty, to the destruction of BMCC’s Fiterman Hall to the brave contributions of many members of the university community who took part in the response and recovery. Twenty-five years later, CUNY is proud to partner with New York State in making sure that survivors, military veterans, service members and their families have the support they need to pursue a college education and achieve their goals. The World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship and other HESC programs make that opportunity possible for students across our university and throughout New York.”
NYSED Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said, “New York State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said, "The impact and legacy of September 11, 2001, are enduring. One meaningful way to honor the first responders, survivors, and families whose lives were forever changed is by providing access to education. These scholarships are an investment that can have a lifelong impact, open doors to opportunity, and empower individuals to create meaningful change in their communities. When we expand access to educational opportunities and invest in future generations, we ensure that the lives of those affected by 9/11 are never forgotten."
NYS Department of Veterans’ Services Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said, “The passage of time has not diminished our responsibility to remember those whose lives were taken on September 11, honor the extraordinary courage of the first responders and support the generation of Americans who answered tragedy with service. Even 25 years later, their sacrifice, strength and selflessness continue to inspire us. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is transforming remembrance into meaningful action by expanding educational opportunities for Veterans, Service Members and their families. We are proud to stand with HESC in helping All Who Served and their loved ones build the futures they have earned.”
On September 10, 2026, Governor Hochul signed new legislation to provide additional support to 9/11 victims, responders, and surviving family members. The legislation extends the deadlines for submitting documentation and expands eligibility for World Trade Center-related death, disability and retirement benefits. It also extends the 25-year presumptive eligibility period for certain retirement benefits related to 9/11 injuries and illnesses. Lastly, the legislation extends benefits for members of New York’s National Guard members and their beneficiaries, marking the first time these benefits have been extended to them. For more information click here.
These programs reflect New York State’s deep gratitude to the 9/11 survivors, first responders, service members, veterans and their families who have given so much to New York State. They represent our enduring commitment not only to honor their sacrifice and service, but also to provide meaningful support and opportunities to the individuals and families who have been affected.
Students and families can learn more about financial aid opportunities available to military members, veterans and their families through HESC’s website.
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