January 25 through February 25 marks the period during which New York State students and families are offered special opportunities to learn about and receive assistance in applying for the many financial aid opportunities available to help them pay for college. Through its “Start Here to Get There” campaign, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) works with financial aid professionals and other volunteers across the State to inform and educate students and families about all of the financial aid opportunities available to them, through the completion of the most important tool in securing financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students and families can receive help completing the FAFSA online at events held by schools, community groups and other organizations throughout the State. Certified tax preparers will be available at some locations to assist families earning less than $49,000 in preparing and filing their taxes prior to completing the FAFSA.

New Yorkers who are unable to attend an event can also get specific questions answered each Wednesday during the campaign by calling HESC’s FAFSA Assistance Hotline at 800-808-1790 or emailing FAFSAhelp@hesc.org.

Information and registration for these events, as well as FAFSA completion tips, tools and videos can be found at StartHereGetThere.org,