Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NY 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive Scholarship?
The 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive Scholarship is a public outreach campaign consisting of a series of statewide drawings to increase awareness of the availability and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and provide incentives to New Yorkers to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
New Yorkers 5 to 11 years of age, who have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, may enter their child for a chance to win one of 50, four-year full-ride scholarships (including tuition, fees, room-and-board, and expenses) to any two-year or four-year New York State public college or university.
Is a parent or legal guardian required to enter the drawing on behalf of their minor child?
Yes. The entry form must be completed by a parent or legal guardian of each eligible minor. Verification of entry by a parent or legal guardian is required to receive an award unless an eligible minor demonstrates proof of legal emancipation.
How long will the 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive run?
Drawings will take place each Monday from November 22, 2021 through December 20, 2021. The winners will be announced each Wednesday, beginning November 24, 2021 and the final winner(s) will be announced on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
When is the deadline to enter for a 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Scholarship?
Your entry must be received by Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT to be eligible for at least one drawing.
Once I enter, will my child be eligible for all the drawings?
Yes. Once you enter, your entry will be carried over through all the 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive drawings. All winners will be removed from the eligible draw list for subsequent drawings.
Can I only enter the 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive online?
Entry into the program lottery pool may be submitted online at governor.ny.gov/nysvaccineincentive. Individuals without internet access may call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) to submit an entry over the phone.
Can I enter the drawing more than one time?
A parent or legal guardian may submit an entry for each eligible child. However, only one entry per eligible child will be accepted and all duplicate entries on behalf of an eligible child will be removed prior to the drawing being held.
How will I know if I have been entered into the drawing?
An entry confirmation will be displayed immediately after a successful entry is submitted and an email confirmation will be emailed to the address provided on your entry submission.
Can I still enter if my child is a New York resident but was vaccinated in another state?
Yes. You may enter your child, but you will need to present acceptable proof of vaccination.
Does my child have to be vaccinated before I submit my entry or before the drawing takes place?
Yes. The first COVID-19 vaccination must be received at least one day prior to submitting your entry to be eligible.
Can I transfer the scholarship from one of my children to the other?
No. The child who was awarded the scholarship must use it or it will be forfeited.
Can I enter my minor child if both parents live outside of New York State, but my child attends a boarding school in New York State?
No. A minor’s residence is deemed to be that of their custodial parent(s).
What is the Student ID number? How do I find this?
If your child attends a public school, they will likely have been given a student ID number by their school district that is found on their student ID card, report card, or is available through your school portal. If your child attends a public or private school that does not provide student IDs, please enter “None.”
My child goes to private school or is home-schooled and does not have a student ID number?
If your child attends a public or private school that does not provide student IDs, please enter “None.”
I completed the registration for my child who received both doses of the vaccination, which date do I enter?
You can use either date for your submission, provided the date of the vaccination is not later than the date of your entry.
Can the scholarship be used at a private college or university?
No. The prize will be forfeited if the winner does not attend a SUNY or CUNY college or university.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Scholarship Incentive?
New York State residents who are 5 -11 years of age and have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including New York State residents who were 11 when they received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and are now 12 years old.
Is anyone not eligible to enter?
Certain individuals are not eligible to receive the scholarship. This includes individuals whose parent, step-parent or legal guardian, spouse, sibling, grandparent or other residing household member is an employee of the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, Office of Information Technology Services, or the New York State Executive Chamber. Please see the Official Rules for more information.
Do I or my child need to be a US citizen?
No. Your child must be a resident of New York State, but does not need to be a US citizen.
Prizes and Drawings
Prizes and Drawings
When will the 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive Scholarship drawing be conducted? When will the winners be announced?
The drawings will be conducted weekly, for five (5) weeks, beginning on Monday, November 22, 2021. Ten (10) weekly winners (for a total of 50 winners) will be announced each Wednesday. The drawing announcement schedule can be found below.
Drawing Schedule
| Entry End Date |
Drawing Date |
Announcement date |
|
November 21, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT |
November 22, 2021 |
November 24, 2021 |
|
November 28, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT |
November 29, 2021 |
December 1, 2021 |
|
December 5, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT |
December 6, 2021 |
December 8, 2021 |
|
December 12, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT |
December 13, 2021 |
December 15, 2021 |
|
December 19, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT |
December 20, 2021 |
December 22, 2021 |
Where will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced each Wednesday. The winners will be posted on www.governor.ny.gov after the announcement.
What are the prizes for each 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Scholarship Incentive?
One (1) full scholarship (including tuition, fees, room-and-board, and expenses) to any two-year or four-year New York State public college or university.
How many scholarships will be given away?
Fifty (50) scholarships, 10 per week, will be awarded.
Am I responsible for any taxes on these prizes?
Winners are responsible for any tax liability that may be incurred from receiving a prize under this program. Any questions regarding tax implications should be directed to a tax professional, the Internal Revenue Service or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Where does the funding for the prizes come from?
Federal COVID-19 relief and outreach funds will be used to cover the cost of this vaccination incentive program.
Winner Selection, Verification and Notification
Winner Selection, Verification and Notification
How will I be notified if my child wins a 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Scholarship’?
If your entry is selected, you will be contacted via the contact information provided on your entry form by representatives from the State of New York to verify eligibility.
How will the Department of Health know if my child has been vaccinated?
By submitting an entry for the 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive Scholarship drawing, you agree to allow the New York State Department of Health to access your child’s vaccination records and disclose information regarding their vaccination status to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. You may also be asked to provide your vaccination card for verification to the New York State Department of Health. Additional information is available in the Official Rules.
Who is responsible for the 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive Scholarship?
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) serves as the lead administering agency for the Incentive and will oversee the drawings. HESC will work with the New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and/or the New York State Department of Civil Service to verify employer and vaccination eligibility.
How will I be notified if I don’t have access to the internet?
If your entry is selected and you do not have access to the internet, you will be contacted via the contact information provided on your entry form by a State of New York official to verify eligibility.
Is my Child required to complete their vaccination series?
Yes, your child will be required to achieve full vaccination, including the second dose of an FDA and CDC authorized 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer) in order to remain eligible to receive the prize. Future booster shots, if approved, will not be required to retain eligibility.
Contact Us
Contact Us
How to Get Help
Our team is available to answer questions regarding the drawings, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT and can be reached at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).