Say Yes Scholarships report highlights financial aid challenges for students in 2024

On April 29, 2025, Syracuse City officials convened for the Say YES Budget Hearing for fiscal years 2025-2026, focusing on the impact of financial aid programs on local students. The meeting highlighted significant achievements and challenges in the administration of scholarships and grants aimed at supporting higher education access for Syracuse youth.

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the total amount of grants awarded in the previous year, which reached $932,116. This funding was part of a broader strategy that successfully leveraged $18.3 million in external aid, including federal Pell Grants and New York State TAP grants. The Say YES program operates on a "last dollar" model, requiring students to complete both the FAFSA and TAP applications to qualify for awards. This model aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from pursuing higher education.

Despite these successes, officials expressed concern over the completion rates of financial aid applications. Only 40% of the 2024 graduating class submitted a Say YES application, although 80% of those who did enroll in college. The rollout of a new FAFSA application last year created complications that may have deterred some families from completing the necessary forms. Officials noted that many students were uncertain about their financial aid status due to delays, which likely influenced their enrollment decisions.

To address these challenges, the Say YES program is enhancing its outreach efforts. Collaborations with local high school programs, such as Ignite the Youth, aim to survey students on effective communication strategies regarding scholarships. This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase awareness and completion rates of financial aid applications among high school students.

The meeting also revealed that 94% of applicants who completed the Say YES application also submitted a FAFSA application, while 82% completed the TAP application. However, the gap in TAP completion rates was attributed to changes in the FAFSA process, which previously allowed for a streamlined application experience that is no longer available.

As Syracuse City continues to navigate the complexities of financial aid, the discussions at the Say YES Budget Hearing underscore the importance of effective communication and support systems for students. The city remains committed to improving access to higher education and addressing the barriers that hinder student enrollment. Moving forward, officials will focus on refining outreach strategies and ensuring that students are well-informed about the resources available to them.