HESC Virtual Drop-In Lounge

Stay on Track with Your Financial Aid This Summer!

As a BMCC ASAP student, now is the time to complete your FAFSA, TAP, or NYS DREAM Act applications for the 2025–2026 academic year. Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth and stress-free semester.

Need Help? Join Our Virtual Financial Aid Sessions!
Get live support from financial aid experts every Wednesday from 2–4 PM via Zoom.

Location: Virtual

Upcoming Dates:

Questions? Contact your ASAP Financial Aid Advisor, visit the office, or join a virtual session. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

Support. Community. Belonging.

Students who may not qualify for federal financial aid still have access to meaningful support, resources, and funding at BMCC! Whether you’re a current ASAP student or thinking about joining, here are key opportunities that can help make college affordable.

You May Qualify for Financial Aid Through the NYS DREAM Act

 

If you’re a DREAMer, DACA/TPS recipient, or otherwise ineligible for federal financial aid due to your immigration status, you may be eligible for New York State aid through the NYS DREAM Act. Eligible students may receive:

  • TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
  • Excelsior Scholarship
  • Other NYS grant programs

Start here to apply: www.hesc.ny.gov/dream

Additional Scholarships

TheDream.US National Scholarship
This national scholarship provides significant financial assistance for tuition, fees, and college expenses.

Learn more: www.thedream.us

ASAP Tuition Scholarship

If you qualify for TAP through the NYS DREAM Act, you may also be eligible for the ASAP Tuition Scholarship, which covers any remaining tuition not covered by TAP. To remain eligible for this support, students must enroll full-time and meet ongoing ASAP program requirements.

Resources and Support Services

ASAP provides dedicated support students of all statuses. Our team is here to help you:

  • Complete financial aid applications
  • Navigate the NYS DREAM Act portal
  • Submit required documents
  • Understand deadlines and eligibility
  • Connect with other campus resources

Additional Resources 

  • IDNYC: A free municipal ID available to all NYC residents, regardless of immigration status. (https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/news/free-idnyc-pop-up-enrollment-center-opens-at-bmcc/
  • BMCC Immigrant and Undocumented Student Success: Provides immigrant and undocumented students guidance and resources for their academic journeys at BMCC, to stay safe and empowered regardless of paperwork status.
  • FREE English as Second or Other Language (ESOL) Program: Free English courses for NYC residents aged 19 and older, regardless of immigration status. (https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/ce/hse-ged-and-esol-programs/
  • Office of Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs: CUNY’s central office offers advocacy, guidance on financial aid (including the NYS Dream Act), and connections to legal and mental health services. (cuny.edu)(Immigrant and Undocumented Student Success – BMCC
  • CUNY Citizenship Now!: Provides free, confidential immigration legal services, including assistance with DACA, TPS, and naturalization applications. (cuny.edu

Undocumented students have access to real, meaningful financial aid support at BMCC. Whether you’re enrolled or planning to apply, take time to explore these options and connect with the resources available to you.

We’re here to help you succeed every step of the way!

Questions? Email us: ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu (Include your full name and CUNYfirst IDYour privacy and safety are our top priority. Information shared with us is protected and confidential.

Spring 2026 Textbook Information

ASAP students who meet the requirements below qualify for textbook assistance to help cover the cost of textbooks and required course materials. The allocation for Spring 2026 is $250.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  1. ASAP Enrollment: You must be an active ASAP student at BMCC for Spring 2026.
  2. Class Registration: Register for Spring 2026 classes. For assistance with enrollment, contact your ASAP Academic Advisor.
  3. Financial Aid Applications:
    • Complete the FAFSA and TAP applications for the 2025-2026 academic year
    • If you’re unable to apply for FAFSA, complete the TAP application via the NYS DREAM Act or Alternate Eligibility Pathway
    • If you’re unable to apply for the above applications, email us at ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR TEXTBOOK FUNDS:

You will receive your book funding by Direct Deposit or a Mailed Check. 

  • Direct Deposit:
    • Funds will be deposited into your bank account if you’ve set up Direct Deposit on CUNYfirst.
    • Click HERE for Direct Deposit setup instructions.
  • Mailed Check:
    • If you don’t have Direct Deposit, funds will be mailed to your address on file in CUNYfirst.
    • Click HERE to update your mailing address.

WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR TEXTBOOK FUNDS:

  • Direct Deposit: Estimated refund date: January 30th
  • Mailed Check: Sent by 02/06/26 (can take 7-10 business days for check arrival)

Possible Reasons for Delayed Funds:

If you did not receive the funds according to the dates above, it may be due to one or more of the following reasons:
1. Late class registration
2. Late financial aid submission
3. No direct deposit set up
4. Incorrect mailing address
5. Late enrollment in ASAP

If you have any questions about ASAP Book funding, please email us at ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship Application

The Spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship Application is now available for new applicants! Find out if you qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship and apply by the deadline: February 3, 2025:

*For Non-FAFSA filers (Dreamers, undocumented, other students): To be considered for New York State financial aid awards like TAP or Excelsior, you must apply through the Jose Peralta NYS DREAM Act Application.

DREAM Big! A Guide to the Senator José Peralta DREAM Act

Applying for financial aid can be a challenge for many, but it doesn’t need to be a challenge for you with regards to your immigration status! The NYS Dream Act is designed to help undocumented and other eligible students access the financial support they need for higher education and that’s why this guide is here to help!

DREAM-Big-DREAM-ACT-Guide_Page-1 DREAM-Big-DREAM-ACT-Guide_Page-2 DREAM-Big-DREAM-ACT-Guide_Page-3