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Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services

Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services

Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE)

The Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE) provide high school students that are the top student(s) in their respective high school at the end of their junior year with a scholarship to attend an institution of higher education located in New York State. 

General questions regarding Scholarships for Academic Excellence may be emailed to SCHOLAR@nysed.gov.

For the first time, SAE scholarship nominations will be accepted through SED Monitoring only.  This new online process discontinues the paper form and will increase the efficiency and management of this vital scholarship program for the students receiving the award.  Any questions on SAE, its survey, or submission may be sent via email to scholar@nysed.gov.

The deadline for submission is February 28, 2025
 

Pending the appropriation of State funds by the New York State Legislature, 8,000 scholarships will be awarded for students graduating in 2025.  Of the 8,000 scholarships, 2,000 scholarships will have a value of $1,500 each and 6,000 scholarships will have a value of $500 each.

 

Eligibility

This is very important...

The SAE information, including the individual application forms, must be completed by the appropriate school building leader, and not by individual students.

  • Scholarship winners must attend a college or university (SAE’s cannot be used for trade schools) in New York State.
     
  • Those who do not attend a college or university in New York State forfeit the award.
     
  • Awards are renewable for up to four academic years of undergraduate study or five academic years if the program of study normally requires five years as defined by the Commissioner of Education.
     
  • In the event that a scholarship is declined by the student or revoked by the Commissioner of Education, its benefits will lapse and no re-awards will be made.
Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act

For more information on the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/

Contact Information:

New York State Education Department
Office of Postsecondary Access, Support, and Success
Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE)
89 Washington Avenue, EBA 960
Albany, New York 12234
scholar@nysed.gov

PRIVACY NOTICE

The information collected on the application for the Scholarships for Academic Excellence is collected under the authority of the New York State Education Department Law 605 and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, subpart 145-1.  Each individual has the right to review personal information maintained by the Scholarships Unit unless exempted by law.