SUNY is pleased to announce that applications are open for the inaugural cohort of the SUNY College Access Ambassadors! Launching in July 2026, the SUNY College Access Ambassadors is a new SUNY initiative to strengthen college-going and FAFSA completion efforts across New York State by recognizing, elevating, and leveraging the expertise of high school counselors doing exceptional work in these areas. The program will recognize and support counselors demonstrating strong early college access work, including driving high FAFSA completion rates and rates of college-going among their students. In addition, the program aims to identify and elevate effective best practices across the counseling community and share those broadly with counselors, students, and families.
Individuals selected will serve one calendar year and receive the title of “SUNY College Access Ambassador” by the SUNY Chancellor and receive a $7,500 stipend that can be used to support their work in any way they choose.
Ambassadors will be willing to share their talents, tools, and resources with the counseling community in New York State. Sharing may include presenting at regional SUNY counselor programming (OpInform), recording student/parent focused videos, or contributing to content to be distributed to the school counseling community.