Genesee County Youth Bureau

10/16/2026

FAFSA & TAP Are Now Open! Apply Early!

The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications are now open. Applying early means you’ll know your aid eligibility sooner, have time to fix any errors, and give prospective colleges information to build your financial aid package.

Steps to Apply:
• Create your StudentAid.gov account.
• Complete your FAFSA.
• Use the state link at the end to complete your TAP application.

Students who don't meet citizenship or residency requirements may still qualify for New York State financial aid through alternate pathways, like the NYS DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Path. Visit the Applying for Aid webpage to learn more.

Need help completing your FAFSA or TAP? Attend one of HESC’s virtual FAFSA/TAP completion events! Check out all HESC events, https://hesc.ny.gov/get-help/find-event/event-calendar/

Don’t Miss Out on Financial Aid: Sign up to receive HESC Texts with key information about financial aid, important deadline dates, and resources.

STEM Incentive Program Open
The 2027-28 NYS STEM Incentive Program application is now open for NYS students who plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY college.

To be eligible, students must:
• Must rank in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class at a NYS high school. (HESC does not round class rank, a rank of 10.4% is not eligible).
• Must apply in your high school senior year.
• Enroll in an undergraduate program in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics full-time.
• Commit to living and working in a STEM occupation in New York State for five years.

Students who don't meet citizenship or residency requirements may still qualify for New York State financial aid through alternate pathways, like the Senator José Peralta NYS DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Path.

Visit the Applying for Aid webpage to learn more, https://hesc.ny.gov/applying-aid.

The application deadline for the 2027-2028 academic year is August 15, 2027. To learn more and to apply, visit hesc.ny.gov/STEM.

10/16/2026

💙 Making a Difference, One Act of Kindness at a Time! 💙

A HUGE thank you to these amazing Batavia High School students who chose to spend their Make a Difference Day giving back to our community! 🌟

These hardworking students helped us:
🎄 Organize toys that will be distributed to children during the Christmas season.
🎃 Assemble 200 Halloween goodie bags!
📚 Prepare materials for our upcoming 7th & 8th Grade Youth Conference!

We are so grateful for their time, enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to lend a helping hand!

Thank you to these wonderful students for showing what it truly means to make a difference! 💙👏

09/30/2026

We had a great day with Batavia Middle School and Batavia High School students at GLOW With Your Hands! 🛠️ Students explored local career opportunities through hands-on activities and connected with businesses and organizations from across our region.🏗️

09/21/2026

🎨 There's still time to enter the 2026 Genesee County STOP-DWI Poster Contest!

We're looking for creative students in grades 6-12 to help share an important message: "Someone is waiting for you to get home safe. Drive Sober."

Show us what this message means to you through an original hand-drawn, painted, or graphic art design highlighting the impact impaired driving can have on individuals, families, and our community.

🏆 Winners will be recognized at the annual STOP-DWI luncheon in November, and the Grand Prize winner's artwork will be featured on a Genesee County billboard!

📆 Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026
📥 Entries can be mailed or dropped off at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 5130 East Main St Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Get creative, spread an important message, and show Genesee County what you can do! 🖌️🖊️

09/15/2026

🌟We're still looking for a few more Youth Lead members!🌟

The Genesee County Youth Bureau is seeking students in grades 9-12 to join our 2026-2027 Youth Lead program!

To apply visit: www.geneseeny.gov/youth-lead

🌟 Apply Today for Youth Lead! 🌟

Are you looking for a way to get involved, build leadership skills, and learn more about your community? Youth Lead is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 program year!

Youth Lead gives local students opportunities to:

🧭 Explore programs and services throughout Genesee County
🤝 Connect with other local youth
💡 Develop leadership and teamwork skills
🔎 Learn through hands-on community experiences

📅 Applications are due September 11, 2026!

Apply today by scanning the QR code or visiting:
🔗 www.geneseeny.gov/youth-lead

Be part of the change. Lead today. Impact tomorrow.

09/14/2026

🎨 Calling all Genesee County student artists!

The Genesee County STOP-DWI 2026 Poster Contest is officially open to students in grades 6-12! This year's theme is: "Someone is waiting for you to get home safe. Drive Sober."

Students are encouraged to create an original, eye-catching poster showing the impact impaired driving can have on individuals, families, and our community. Artwork may be hand drawn/painted or graphic art; AI-generated artwork is not eligible.

🏆 Winners will be recognized at the annual STOP-DWI luncheon in November, and the Grand Prize winner's artwork will be featured on a Genesee County billboard!

📆 Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026
📥 Submit to the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 5130 East Main St Road, Batavia, NY 14020

Please see the flyer for complete contest guidelines. We can't wait to see what our talented Genesee County students create!

09/02/2026

🌟 Apply Today for Youth Lead! 🌟

Are you looking for a way to get involved, build leadership skills, and learn more about your community? Youth Lead is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 program year!

Youth Lead gives local students opportunities to:

🧭 Explore programs and services throughout Genesee County
🤝 Connect with other local youth
💡 Develop leadership and teamwork skills
🔎 Learn through hands-on community experiences

📅 Applications are due September 11, 2026!

Apply today by scanning the QR code or visiting:
🔗 www.geneseeny.gov/youth-lead

Be part of the change. Lead today. Impact tomorrow.

08/26/2026

💜 Come see us today at Austin Park for Overdose Awareness Day!

This year’s theme, “Connections,” reminds us how important it is to support one another and strengthen the relationships that inspire hope, recovery, and healing.

🕓 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 Austin Park, Jefferson Avenue, Batavia

Stop by this free, family-friendly community event to:

• Learn about local recovery resources
• Hear from local speakers
• Enjoy live music and a community picnic
• Connect with local organizations and community members

We hope to see you there! 💜

08/25/2026

📢 Applications are open for the New York State Governor’s Youth Council! 🗽✨

This is an incredible opportunity for young people to make their voices heard, develop leadership skills, and help shape conversations about issues that matter to youth across New York State.

The Governor’s Youth Council bring together young leaders from across New York State to share ideas, connect with decision makers, and advocate for positive change in their communities. 💬🏛️

🌟 Represent Genesee County. Share your voice. Make an impact.

ℹ️ For more information:https://files.constantcontact.com/9e0f57ab801/e9800cc3-2507-43bb-b4ab-de0ec281a825.pdf

📃 To apply: https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/10/home