Association of Private Colleges (APC)

??BREAKING NEWS ??— The 2024 #NYSBudget delivers a huge win for college students in New York State! Part-time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility has been expanded to include students attending proprietary colleges. In addition, the budget includes significant expansions to TAP, such as: ?Raising the max income threshold for dependent students ($80K to $125K), independent students ($10K to $30K) & married independent students ($40K to $60K) ?Increasing the minimum TAP award from $500 to $1,000 We want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Senate and Assembly for investing in our students' futures! We're especially grateful to the Higher Education Committee Chairs Assemblymember Patricia Fahy and Senator Toby Stavisky, as well as our champions Senator Nathalia Fernandez and Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, who have advocated tirelessly on behalf of our students from the start.

Spring break is almost here! It’s a time to kick back, relax, and recharge. You’ve earned it! Here are some fun ways to make the most of your time off: 1. Unplug & Unwind: Put away the textbooks and screens! 2. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a little self-care—whether it’s a spa day, Netflix binge, or afternoon nap.?? 3. Reflect on Your Semester: Think about your goals for the rest of the year and how your college is helping you grow. At APC, we believe in balancing work and relaxation to help you thrive in every aspect of life. Enjoy the break, stay safe, and come back energized for the rest of the semester! #springbreak #studentlife #selfcare #highereducation

?? The Federal Student Aid deadline is June 30th, 2025! ?? Don’t miss out on financial aid opportunities. Apply today to secure your funding for the upcoming academic year: https://lnkd.in/eeJaTq7

ICYMI: Earlier this week, APC President Donna Stelling-Gurnett testified during the NYS Legislature Joint Budget Hearing on the importance of further enhancing access and affordability of higher education for New Yorkers by: ??Expanding part-time TAP, restoring TAP for grad students, extending the number of years students can receive TAP & supporting low-income independent students. ?? Funding vital programming that supports students with disabilities, Bundy Aid & HEOP. ?? Supporting initiatives that strengthen the state's workforce and connect students with employment opportunities. You can read her testimony in its entirety here: https://loom.ly/3_mdmlI or watch here: https://loom.ly/B4UzbGM.

Over the past two days, students and faculty from the Association of Private Colleges (APC) members spent time in Albany to share their priorities and stories with more than 60 legislative offices and representatives of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and New York State Education Department Office of Higher Education (NYSED OHE). ??????? APC is grateful to have many champions of higher education in Albany and look forward to continuing our work with the Governor, leadership in the Senate and Assembly, and all four higher education sectors to ensure millions more New Yorkers – regardless of where they chose to attend college - continue to have greater access to those opportunities. #APC4TAP

Our students and staff had an incredible time at the Association of Private Colleges's (APC) Legislative Reception last night. We are so grateful to everyone who took the time to join us for meaningful conversations and connections! ?? We are energized and ready for another busy day of meetings with legislators and staff to advocate for APC's 2025 priorities! #APC4TAP

This afternoon students and faculty from Association of Private Colleges (APC) member colleges participated in their first day of meetings with legislators and staff in Albany. Students shared personal stories to highlight the need to adopt further measures that ensure that TAP continues to support current and future students in achieving their higher education goals while strengthening the state's workforce! #APC4TAP We're asking legislators to: ? Support Part-Time TAP Expansion ? Expand Access to the Opportunity Promise Scholarships Initiative ? Expand TAP Eligibility to Support Student Success ? Support Low-Income Independent Students ? Reimagine TAP to Support Graduate Students

Today APC's Student Leadership Council is kicking off its two-day advocacy efforts! ??? Last year, 45+ students and faculty from APC member institutions traveled to Albany for 80+ meetings, sharing their stories and raising awareness about APC's priorities. Connect with legislators and leaders. Share student stories. Advocate for all higher ed sectors. Engage in shaping education’s future. #APC4TAP Stay tuned for this year's recap!

Today, we celebrate the spirit of giving back! ???? On National Student Volunteer Day, we recognize the hardworking students who make a difference in their communities. APC’s member colleges promote service, helping students gain practical experience while giving back. What cause will you support next?!

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we celebrate the contributions of Black educators, leaders, and students in New York’s proprietary colleges. Equity in education is key to a brighter future for all.