Say Yes Syracuse Winter Guide
Winter is the perfect time to take meaningful steps toward college.
Your Winter Guide to Starting the Say Yes Syracuse Process
Winter is the perfect time to take meaningful steps toward college. With fewer school and activity distractions, students and families often find it easier to focus on planning for the future. Say Yes Syracuse supports that journey by providing tuition coverage and critical academic, advising, and family supports for eligible students.
This winter guide walks you through the Say Yes process step by step, so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and where to find help along the way.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
The first step in the Say Yes process is understanding whether you qualify.
Students who live in Syracuse and attend or graduate from the Syracuse City School District may be eligible for Say Yes tuition benefits. Eligible graduates can attend participating colleges with tuition covered after federal and state financial aid is applied.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, read more here.
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
Filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required to receive Say Yes tuition support. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal and state aid, which must be applied first before Say Yes covers remaining tuition at participating colleges.
Say Yes Syracuse provides FAFSA support to help students and families complete the application correctly and on time. You do not need to navigate this process alone. Read more about FAFSA here.
Step 3: Stay Academically on Track in High School
Winter is an important checkpoint during the school year. This is a good time for students to review:
- Graduation requirements
- Course credits and academic progress
- College application timelines
Say Yes advisors work with students to support academic planning, graduation readiness, and postsecondary preparation.
Step 4: Use Say Yes Support Services
Say Yes Syracuse is more than a tuition program. Eligible students and families have access to a range of support services designed to remove barriers to success, including:
- Academic advising
- Tutoring and mentoring
- College and career planning
- Family and health support services
These services are designed to help students succeed in school and prepare for college.
Step 5: Understand How Tuition Is Covered
Once a student:
- Confirms eligibility
- Completes the FAFSA and required financial aid applications
- Enrolls in a participating college
Say Yes applies tuition coverage after federal and state aid is awarded to eligible students. This significantly reduces or eliminates tuition costs and helps students minimize student loan debt.
This layered approach allows families to plan for college with greater financial confidence. Don’t forget to review important upcoming deadlines!
Step 6: Keep Families Involved
Family engagement is a key part of student success. Say Yes offers guidance and resources for parents and caregivers to help them support students academically, emotionally, and financially throughout the college-preparation process.
College planning works best when students and families move through the process together. Let’s talk!
Step 7: Reach Out—At Any Point
Life happens. Uncertainty about next steps or unexpected challenges should never stop a student from continuing their education journey.
Say Yes Syracuse is available year-round to help students problem-solve and move forward, no matter where they are in the process.
Your Future Starts with One Step
Every form completed, advising meeting attended, and plan created brings students closer to their goals. Say Yes Syracuse exists to remove financial and systemic barriers so eligible students can pursue higher education with confidence and support.
Winter may be cold, but it’s also a season of opportunity.
Get Started Today
Learn more about eligibility, FAFSA support, advising services, and participating colleges here.