Healthcare Workers for Our Future Award Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need a HESC Student Account?

All lottery winners must have a HESC Student Account. More information will be provided in the congratulatory email.

What information will I be required to provide?

After establishing a HESC Student Account, all lottery winners must answer a set of specific questions in order to accept the scholarship and access the Prize Agreement governing the terms and conditions of acceptance of the Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship.

Will I need to sign a HWFOF Prize Agreement?

Yes, lottery winners will have 10 business days from the date of the original notification email to accept the scholarship and to complete, sign and submit the HWFOF Prize Agreement or forfeit the scholarship. There will be no exceptions to the deadline.

What is the deadline to sign my Prize Agreement?

Lottery winners will be required to accept the scholarship and complete, sign and submit the Prize Agreement governing the terms and conditions of acceptance of the HWFOF Scholarship within 10 business days of the date of the original notification email or forfeit the scholarship. There will be no exceptions to the deadline.

How will I know if my Prize Agreement has been successfully uploaded?

A copy of your Prize Agreement will be available in your HESC account approximately two weeks after being reviewed by HESC.

I cannot sign my Prize Agreement before the deadline - will I lose the award?

Failure to accept the scholarship and complete, sign, and submit the Prize Agreement by the deadline date will result in forfeit of the scholarship.

I have not yet chosen a college/been accepted into an approved program. Should I still sign the Prize Agreement by the deadline?

Winners who have not yet completed the college admission process must complete, sign, and submit the Prize Agreement by the deadline date. Once accepted at a college or university in an approved program, they must notify the financial aid office at their school that they are a recipient of the scholarship.

I was notified that I am a Scholarship winner, but am no longer interested in the Scholarship.

Winners who wish to decline the scholarship may opt not to sign and submit the Prize Agreement. After the deadline, winners who did not sign and submit a Prize Agreement will be removed from eligibility and will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship.

I submitted my signed Prize Agreement but am no longer interested in the Scholarship.

Winners who decide they are not interested in the scholarship after they’ve signed/submitted the Prize Agreement may contact the Call Center at 833-791-2744 and provide their name and email address. Once a winner declines the scholarship, they are no longer eligible to receive the scholarship.

I declined the Scholarship and changed my mind. Can I still receive it?

No. Once a winner declines the scholarship, they are no longer eligible to receive the scholarship.

When do I submit the NYS Student Aid Payment Application?

The NYS Student Aid Payment Application must be submitted annually for each academic year you’re requesting payment. Once enrolled in an approved program of study, winners must complete the NYS Student Aid Payment Application. Winners will see a status message in their HESC account indicating whether they have completed a NYS Student Aid Payment Application for the academic year.

What is the deadline to submit my NYS Student Aid Payment Application?

The NYS Student Aid Payment Application must be submitted annually for each academic year you’re requesting payment by June 30 of that academic year.

What is the deadline to enroll in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study?

Winners who have completed the required prerequisites may enroll and be matriculated in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study as soon as the fall 2024 semester, but must be matriculated in an approved field of study no later than the fall 2026 semester.

Are winners allowed to postpone their Scholarship? I need to finish the prerequisites for a degree-granting program in an approved field of study.

Winners must complete all prerequisites and be matriculated in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study by fall 2026 in order to be eligible. Prerequisite courses required prior to acceptance into an approved program are not covered by this award. Failure to enroll by the fall 2026 semester will result in forfeit of the award.

Can the Scholarship be used toward the prerequisites of a degree-granting program in an approved field of study?

Prerequisite courses required prior to acceptance into an approved degree-granting program in an approved field of study are not covered by this award. After students are enrolled in an approved degree-granting program in an approved field of study, they may be eligible to apply for reimbursement if the prerequisite courses taken are directly applicable to their degree. A college advisor can tell you whether the courses are part of the degree program.

I want the Scholarship, but I cannot meet the deadline to register.

The deadline to enroll and be matriculated in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study is fall 2026. Failure to enroll by the fall 2026 semester will result in forfeit of the award.

Are Scholarship winners allowed to attend their approved program virtually?

In-person and/or virtual participation is based on the specific program as long as all other scholarship criteria are met. Winners will need to contact the specific NYS college or university to determine virtual program availability.

Can I transfer schools?

Yes. Keep in mind the scholarship covers the equivalent of four semesters in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study. Winners must complete their degree within three (3) years of initial enrollment if attending full-time and within five (5) years of initial enrollment if attending part-time or forfeit the remainder of the award. If a recipient does not complete their degree within the timeframe, they will be responsible for paying back the full amount of the award payments made on their behalf via a ten-year zero-interest loan.

Is there a certain grade point average (GPA) that must be maintained to keep the award?

Winners must independently meet all requirements for admission and continued attendance of their school, including individual program criteria.

How long do I have to complete my degree?

Winners must complete their degree within three (3) years of initial enrollment in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study if attending full-time or within five (5) years of initial enrollment in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study if attending part-time or forfeit the remainder of the award. If a recipient does not complete their degree within the timeframe, they will be responsible for paying back the full amount of the award payments made on their behalf via a ten-year zero-interest loan.

What happens if I do not complete my degree by the deadline?

Failure to complete a degree within the required period will result in forfeit of any remaining funds, and the total amount of the award granted will convert to a ten-year zero-interest loan that will need to be paid back.

What if I attend part-time?

The award will be pro-rated based on the number of credits earned. Payments are equal to two years of full-time study (4 full-time payments for full-time students). Check with your financial aid office for specifics regarding your college or university.

What if I fail a class or the program?

Winners must meet the academic qualifications of the college or university at which they are enrolled in order to receive the award.

Full-time students who fail a class but retain their full-time status during the semester will receive the full payment. Students enrolled part-time who fail a class will not get paid for the failed class(es). Payments cannot exceed 4 full-time payments.

What if I withdraw from a class?

Full-time students who withdraw from a class but retain their full-time status during the semester will receive their full payment. Full-time students who fall below full-time status due to one or more withdrawn classes will have their payment prorated based on the number of credits earned.

Students enrolled part-time who withdraw from a class will not get paid for the withdrawn class(es).

What if I need to take a break in enrollment while pursuing my degree?

Any circumstances regarding the need for a break in enrollment should be discussed with, documented, and approved by the college or university you are attending.

Should I complete the FAFSA?

HESC recommends that everyone complete the FAFSA. Please note that the sum of all awards received, including the Healthcare Workers for Our Future (HWFOF) Scholarship, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.

Can I receive Pell and the Healthcare Workers for Our Future (HWFOF) Scholarship?

Yes, however, the sum of all awards cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.

Can winners receive both a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award and the Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship?

No. Winners receiving the Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship are not entitled to receive TAP or any other NYS scholarship concurrently with the Health Care Workers for Our Future Scholarship.

Do winners need to complete a NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application?

No, if you are a Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship winner, you do not need to complete the TAP application because you will not be eligible to receive TAP. The Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship covers tuition as part of this cost of attendance award.

Winners must annually complete the NYS Student Payment Application.

If I received the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship, can I get this one instead?

Winners will forfeit any future awards from the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship, which will be replaced by the Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship for the remaining time beginning at the next full semester. Scholarship funds received from both awards cannot exceed two years in total. Recipients of the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship who win the Healthcare Worker for Our Future Scholarship will not be reimbursed for previous semesters. HWFOF winners will be excused from having to complete the NFOF service agreement but instead required to complete the HWFOF service agreement.

Will the award impact the winner’s personal taxes? Does the award need to be documented in tax returns?

We advise all recipients to check with their tax consultant or attorney as to how this award may impact their individual taxes. Winners are responsible for any tax liability that may be incurred.

How will Healthcare Workers for Our Future Scholarship awards be made?

Award payments will be sent directly to your NYS college or university at the end of each semester after all scholarship requirements have been certified by the college or university.

How will my college or university be notified?

You should advise the financial aid office at your school that you are a scholarship winner. Your college or university will verify your status as a HWFOF winner with HESC.

Will there be a grace period to find work in NYS in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)?

The Prize Agreement specifies that winners must obtain full-time employment within 12 months of graduation in NYS in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in the approved fields. Information can be found at https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find

How many hours do I have to work each week to fulfill my post-award obligation?

You must work at least 35 hours per week in NYS in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in the approved fields.

As a winner receiving my associate degree, can I immediately pursue a bachelor’s degree before beginning to work?

The program rules require you to be employed in NYS in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in the approved fields within 12 months of receiving your associate degree.

If you choose to continue your education and not seek full-time employment within the 12 months, you will not be fulfilling your post-award obligation, and the total amount of the award granted will convert to a ten-year zero-interest loan that will need to be paid back.

Will the time I work in NYS in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in the approved field while obtaining my degree count toward the post-award commitment?

No. Time worked while obtaining your degree will not count toward your post-award commitment.

What if I cannot fulfill my post-award obligation?

The total amount of the award granted will convert to a ten-year zero-interest loan that will need to be paid back.

Will the zero-interest loan be a federal loan?

No, the award would convert to a ten-year zero-percent interest loan through NYS HESC.

Am I able to choose the underserved areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields based on my residency? Will the expenses be my responsibility?

Areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields consist of facilities in NYS located within a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), including geographic, population, and facility-based HPSAs. A complete listing of HPSAs is available at the U.S. Department of Health& Human Services Health Resources & Services Administration website at https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find

• To access this website:
  • Go to: data.hrsa.gov
  • Select: “Find Shortage Areas”
  • Select: “Find HPSAs” (by location)

This is the most up-to-date list of all federally designated underserved areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields. Once on the website, winners may filter the list of facilities by state (New York) and county(s). Once the filter is applied, a list of facilities meeting those requirements will be populated. Note: this list is subject to change over time.

Expenses outside of the awarded scholarship will be the responsibility of the winner, including any expenses related to applying for jobs in NYS at federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) facilities.

Will there be a list of underserved areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields? How do I find underserved areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields?

High-need facilities consist of facilities in NYS located within a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields, including geographic, population, and facility-based HPSAs. A complete listing of HPSAs is available at the U.S. Department of Health& Human Services Health Resources & Services Administration website at https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find

• To access this website:
  • Go to: data.hrsa.gov
  • Select: “Find Shortage Areas”
  • Select: “Find HPSAs” (by location)

This is the most up-to-date list of all federally designated underserved areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields. Once on the website, winners may filter the list of facilities by state (New York) and county(s). Once the filter is applied, a list of facilities meeting those requirements will be populated. Note: this list is subject to change over time.

For the two (2) years required to work in an underserved area where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields, does the time need to be worked all at once, or can there be a break in between? If there is a break, how long is permitted to complete the full 2 years?

The two-year requirement begins within 12 months of graduation from the program and must be two consecutive years in a facility in NYS located within a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields.

It is possible that provisions will be made for specific documented hardships referenced in the Prize Agreement.

If I am working in an underserved area where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields while I am pursuing my degree, does that time count toward my post-award obligation?

No, any period of employment in an underserved area where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields while enrolled in a degree-granting program in an approved field of study will not be credited toward your post-award obligation.

If I accidentally submitted an Entry Form for the associate degree scholarship but have the qualifications to pursue a bachelor’s degree, can I switch my scholarship?

To pursue a bachelor’s degree, you must live in New York State and:

• Have earned an associate degree in one of the approved fields of study by the end of the spring 2024 semester and agree to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the approved fields of study OR have at least 60 credits in one of the approved fields by the end of the spring 2024 semester and agree to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the fields of study.

If, based on the above, you qualify for the bachelor’s degree scholarship, you may contact the Call Center at 833-791-2744.

I’m already working on my associate degree and only have one year of college left. Do I forfeit the remainder, or can I use it toward my bachelor’s degree?

If you are pursuing your associate degree and have one year left, the award can be used toward that remaining year. The remainder cannot be used toward your bachelor’s degree.

I received a scholarship toward my bachelor’s degree. The Prize Agreement states that I must have an associate degree OR have at least 60 credits in one of the approved fields by the end of the spring 2024 semester, but I do not. Can I switch to the associate scholarship?

To pursue an associate degree, you must live in New York State and:

• Matriculate in a degree-granting program and enroll full-time or part-time in an associate degree program at a New York State college or university by fall 2026.
• Agree to work full-time (at least 35 hours per week) in an approved field in an underserved area or areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields in NYS for two years within 12 months of graduation; and
• Provide all required documentation to your school to determine eligibility for payment of the “Healthcare Workers for Our Future” Scholarship.

If you wish to pursue the associate degree scholarship, you may contact the Call Center at 833-791-2744.

I received the scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree. I don’t plan to enroll in an approved program right away. The Prize Agreement states that I must have an associate degree OR have at least 60 credits in one of the approved fields of study by the end of the spring 2024 semester. I won’t earn the required 60 credits until after the spring 2024 semester. Will I still be able to use the scholarship?

No. The 60 credits in the approved field of study must have been earned by the end of the spring 2024 semester.

I already paid for the fall 2024 semester. Will I be reimbursed?

Yes, if you are enrolled in an approved program, once the funds are transferred to your school, you will be eligible to be reimbursed for the eligible expenses paid.