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FAQ

Get There From Here Scholarship FAQ

Q.   How many scholarships are awarded each year?
A.   Approximately 15 scholarships are awarded each year to new and continuing students.
Q.   I will be attending Suffolk County Community College for more than five semesters - will the scholarship cover my tuition until I graduate?
A.   The scholarship is good for five semesters or until you graduate, whichever comes first.
Q.   I am not a citizen and cannot file a FAFSA, am I still eligible?
A.  

Students who are not eligible for federal financial aid may still be eligible for state aid.

The Jose Peralta New York State Dream Act does not have a deadline and the students are welcome to apply anytime. The act is open to any student whose permanent home is in NYS and they have a U Visa, T-Visa, Temporary Protected Status, those without lawful immigration status (undocumented) or DACA. The student needs to have graduated from a NYS high school and have attended a NYS high school for two years or more. The most important aspect of the application is that the information provided will be used ONLY for determining eligibility for and administering awards.  Applicants without lawful immigration status will not be asked for their home address and will NOT have to upload financial records. The students and their families are encouraged to go to https://www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/ to learn more. There are user guides in multiple languages.
Q.   Do I have to file a FAFSA even if I won't get any financial aid?
A.   All students who apply for the Get There From Here Scholarship must apply annually for a FAFSA, even if they will not receive any financial aid.
Q.   I already receive a scholarship from Suffolk County Community College - how will this scholarship affect it?
A.   Other SUNY Suffolk scholarships are taken into consideration when calculating Get There From Here award amounts.
Q.   I have an outside scholarship - how will this scholarship affect it?
A.   The Get There From Here scholarship is offered in addition to outside scholarships.
Q.   Am I eligible if I am currently enrolled in a developmental class/taking a developmental class this summer?
A.   You must have completed any/all required developmental classes prior to being awarded the scholarship.
Q.   Am I eligible if I only have one semester left?
A.   Yes, although you won’t experience the full benefits of the program you can still apply.
Q.   Am I eligible if I am not a Suffolk County resident?
A.   Yes, you may apply; however, you will only be offered up to the maximum $6,500, even if you are required to pay out-of-county tuition.
Q.   Can I request more than the required two (2) letters of recommendation?
A.   Yes. However, only the first two letters received will be attached to your application. All subsequent letters will not be reviewed (one must be academic).
Q.   Do I have to write all three essays or should I just choose one to answer?
A.   You are required to answer all three essay questions to have a complete application.
Q.   Can I submit extra materials to supplement my application (resume, certifications, etc.)
A.   Any additional materials received will not be attached to your application.
Q.   I do not know where to volunteer. Can you suggest any places?
A.   You can explore opportunities with your local places of worship, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, soup kitchens and animal shelters. Additionally, each College campus has a food pantry where you may volunteer your time each semester. If you would like to volunteer at one of the food pantries, please contact: gtfh@sunysuffolk.edu
Q.   Do I have to do volunteer hours before I receive the scholarship?
A.   You will be required to volunteer for 10 hours of community service per semester at an approved agency/non-profit organization once you receive the scholarship.  
Q.   I have commitments outside of school (work, family, etc.) that may interfere with meeting all of the Get There From Here scholar requirements – should I still apply for the scholarship?
A.   These requirements are closely monitored by the Foundation, and all recipients must fulfill all of them in order to maintain their scholarship. The Get There From Here scholarship requires that its scholars be active at the College and in their communities.