Welcome to the Resources page
Here, you will find resources available for students, mentors, and the community.
If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact us.
For Students
For more about being a student in the 518 ElevatED program
Apply to be a part of the 518 ElevatED program. Applications open on March 15.
Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) federal money for your college education. Every student is required to fill out the FAFSA along with their parent. The FAFSA also helps students qualify for Federal Work-Study and other programs.
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. TAP is also available for students attending a SUNY, CUNY and not-for-profit independent degree-granting college on a part-time basis. To be eligible for Part-time TAP you must have been a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter, have earned 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive semesters, and maintain a “C” average.
518 ElevatED has prepared a glossary of terms associated with the Financial Aid Process. Several topics have links to further information when applicable. The College Package Definition Sheet can be found here.
Guide to College Scholarships and Financial Aid for Black Students
Scholarships
Senior Care Aging Matters Scholarship – A $1500 scholarship for a college student that currently cares for an aging loved one, works within the senior community, or intends to pursue a career that will have an impact on the elder population. Due date is May 15, 2023.
The Schenectady Foundation will open applications for the Schenectady STEM Scholarship, on January 27, 2023 and is awarded to a graduating senior from Schenectady City School District who intends to pursue a career in the STEM fields. Applications can be found here.
Additional Scholarships from the Schenectady Foundation include the following:
- Anna Hudson Erbacher scholarships — for graduating seniors of schools in Schenectady County that will pursue degrees preparing them to become educators.
- Dave Goyette Memorial Vocational scholarships — to promote entry or advancement in vocational fields by learning skilled trades.
Eligibility information can be found here. The deadline to apply is March 20, 2023.
The Community Foundation for the Capital Region has several scholarship opportunities. Each opportunity has different requirements and deadlines. Scholars should review each opportunity. Scholars are encouraged to check in regularly as some new scholarship applications may appear. We also encourage people to sign up for their e-mail list and follow CFGCR on Instagram for the latest updates.
The Dave Goyette Memorial Vocational Scholarship is intended for Schenectady County residents interested in a vocational career: from high school graduates who want to pursue a vocational career to those already in the trades who want to improve their skills and/or those who want to teach vocational education. Deadline for submission is March 20, 2023. For more information, please click here.
Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship – Deadline March 1, 2023.
Jean M. Coon Zonta Scholarship Award – Deadline March 21, 2023
The Voyager Scholarship – shaping the next generation of public service leaders
College Scholarships for LGBTQ Students
UNCF has scholarships, programs, internships and fellowships.
New York’s Excelsior Scholarship Program
Study.com Scholarship Hub
RaiseMe – Earn micro‑scholarships from colleges for your achievements as early as 9th grade
Guide to Scholarships by Major
Get Schooled Scholarships for College
Scholarships and Resources for Black Students
Scholly – college scholarship app
Open Education Database – Funding for students pursuing graduate degrees
Bryant & Stratton College – Albany Campus – features a number of healthcare degree programs, and students in the associate degree in Medical Assisting use a special laboratory during their course of study. This serves as a benefit for students in the Medical Administrative Assistant associate degree program and the bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration program. Additional degrees in Business and Network Technology are offered as well. Bryant & Stratton has a comprehensive scholarship program. More information can be found here.
Sudy Skills
AP Exam Study Skills: Khan Academy has guides and tutorial videos for every AP exam. The service is free, but an account is required.
Quizlet has flashcards, randomized tests, and study games to help you prepare for your exam. You can even use the service to create your own study tools accessible on your phone or computer. This also requires an account, but the service is free.
SAT Practice: Khan Academy
The College Student’s Guide to Stress Management. This infographic will help show you the impacts of stress and some good options to reduce your stress while in College.
Time Management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. It involves of various demands upon a person relating to work, social life, family, hobbies, personal interests, and commitments with the finite nature of time. Using time effectively gives the person “choice” on spending or managing activities at their own time and expediency. Visit this resource for some time management ideas 11 Effective Time Management Tips.
Hope4College – resources and support for students already in college.
Real Talk – a virtual college exploration initiative designed to connect Black students and families with Black representatives from colleges across the country. Virtual events are designed to feel authentic, engaging and, most of all, real, while providing all the information needed to plan, pay for, and attend college.
Resources for LGBTQ+ Students – to make college a little easier, this ultimate guide of resources for LGBTQ+ students in higher education includes scholarships, resources, clubs, anti-bullying hotlines and more.
Laptops in College – includes resources for free or reduced price laptops in college.
Niche – college and scholarship search tools
Interactive Virtual Campus Tours
Career Search – using the Occupational Handbook you can browse various career options including highest paying, fastest growing, etc.
CareerVillage is a community where students can get free personalized career advice from real-life professionals.
Young Worker’s Rights and Resources
Internships
Future Forward Internship Academy has an internship opportunity this summer to earn college credit and a stipend.
Regeneron Summer 2023 Paid Internships for students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Information Systems.
FirstGEN Fellows – paid summer program for undergraduate students who are the first in their immediate families to attend college and who intend to pursue careers in social justice.
NIMBL eXperience – The NIIMBL eXperience is an exclusive in-person, all expenses paid immersion program that offers you real-world insight into biopharmaceutical industry careers through hands-on activities and direct interactions with industry professionals. The program targets African American/Black, Latinx, and Native American students completing their freshman or sophomore year of college. It is open to students enrolled in any STEM-based major living in the United States.
Summer Youth Employment
The City of Albany is accepting registration through March 31 for the 2023 LIGHT Summer Youth Employment Program.
The LIGHT Program – Learning, Initiative and Gaining Headway Together – will run from July 10-Aug. 11. The program is open to youth aged 14-18 who live in Albany. Youth employees will work up to 20 hours per week, earn $14.25 per hour and must meet all eligibility and orientation requirements to participate. Click this link for more information and link to application.
For Mentors
Learn more about becoming a mentor.
Fill out a mentor application
Checklist for Mentors of High School Juniors
Checklist for Mentors of High School Senions
View the Financial Aid Workshop for Mentors
Self Discovery Activities to help students discover their passion
You’re a Mentor, Now What? – how to communicate effectively with your student
Futurescape is a free, immersive digital platform that helps more than seven million students explore real-world careers beyond the classroom.
For Our Community
Learn more about 518 ElevatED in the community.
Free online learning with Coursera.
Free tax preparation. Check here for more information, eligibility, and to find a local VITA site.
211 – call or text to find health or human service resources in your community
Public Utility Law Project – through the NYS Gas and Electric Relief Program, you may be eligible to have your energy bill arrears eliminated. More information can be found at the link. Deadline is December 31, 2022.
Healthy Capital District Initiative works to increase access to coverage, provides health planning expertise, and supports health prevention programs across the Capital Region.
Disaster Distress Helpline – if you or someone you know is struggling after a disaster call 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 for help and support 24/7.
Local Food Pantries – use this search tool to find a food pantry nearest you
Albany Community Action Partnership – career and community services and early learning
Schenectady Community Action Program – career and community services and early learning
Alpha Pregnancy Care Center – providing solutions, support, education and hope to men and women facing a wide range of pregnancy and family decisions.
Meals on Wheels – Meals on Wheels is a program that provides older people nutritious meals and safety checks at little to no cost.
Urban Grief – Help when coping with a tragedy in your community.
Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region – offers a variety of health and wellness and support services.