By: TJVNews.com

On the evening of October 21, landmarks across New York State lit up in shades of navy and green, transforming the skyline into a radiant symbol of aspiration, achievement, and opportunity. From the One World Trade Center and Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge downstate to Niagara Falls and the Fairport Lift Bridge upstate, the synchronized illumination marked the start of College Application Month—a statewide celebration encouraging high school seniors to take the next step toward higher education.

Throughout October, the State University of New York (SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), and approximately 50 private colleges and universities across the state will waive their college application fees as part of the initiative. The campaign, which aligns with a national effort to expand college access and affordability, is spearheaded by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).

According to state education officials, the lighting of landmarks serves as both a tribute and an invitation—a reminder that higher education is within reach for every New Yorker willing to pursue it.

The symbolic lighting united the state’s most iconic sites in a shared message of encouragement. The Empire State Plaza in Albany, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, and the State Education Building glowed in deep navy and green, colors chosen to represent growth, opportunity, and determination. Meanwhile, landmarks with single-color lighting systems, such as Niagara Falls, were illuminated in green to honor the initiative.

Other participating sites included Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Moynihan Train Hall, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, and the MTA Long Island Rail Road East End Gateway at Penn Station—each contributing to a statewide tapestry of light and inspiration.

For many observers, the gesture was more than aesthetic. It was a message of unity and empowerment—one that connected New York’s educational mission to its civic pride and architectural grandeur. “The illumination of landmarks across New York State is a reminder to students that college is within reach,” said Dr. Guillermo Linares, President of HESC.

At its heart, College Application Month is about reducing barriers to higher education. The waiving of application fees—a process that can save families hundreds of dollars—represents a concrete step toward making college more affordable.

For thousands of New York students, particularly those from underserved communities, the cost of applying to multiple institutions can be prohibitive. By lifting that burden, state leaders hope to send a clear signal that financial barriers should never stand between a student and their aspirations.

“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to expand access to higher education and create opportunities for every student to succeed,” Dr. Linares said. “We want every high school senior in New York to know that the dream of college is possible, and that the journey begins now.”

Through HESC, the state’s primary agency for financial aid and student assistance, the initiative connects students with free application support, informational sessions, and one-on-one guidance provided by schools, colleges, and community organizations. These resources are designed to help families navigate the often complex college admissions process—covering everything from financial aid forms to essay writing.

College Application Month began as a national initiative more than a decade ago, with states across the country organizing events each fall to encourage college-bound students to complete and submit applications. In New York, however, the campaign has evolved into a far-reaching partnership among public universities, private colleges, and local communities, all working to ensure that no student is left behind.

HESC’s leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the program into what it is today. By coordinating with educational institutions statewide, the agency has fostered a culture of proactive support—one that emphasizes not only the value of a college degree but also the accessibility of the path toward it.

Throughout October, high schools across the state are hosting College Application Days, offering computer labs and counseling support where students can complete their applications with the help of trained advisors. Many schools also organize “decision days,” celebrating students’ college acceptances as a way of inspiring younger classmates to begin thinking about their futures.

In regions from Long Island to the North Country, local colleges are also participating by opening their campuses to prospective students, offering fee-free applications and informational workshops about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Particularly noteworthy is the initiative’s focus on first-generation college students—those who will be the first in their families to pursue higher education. These students often face unique challenges, from navigating financial aid to managing application requirements without family precedent to guide them.

By waiving fees and offering hands-on guidance, College Application Month aims to level the playing field. “When a student sees that even New York’s most iconic landmarks are lit up to celebrate their journey, it sends a powerful message,” said one HESC official. “It tells them: your ambition matters, your future matters, and your state stands behind you.”

Dr. Linares echoed that sentiment, noting that education has always been central to New York’s identity. “This campaign is not just about college access,” he said. “It’s about fostering a culture of learning and ambition that sustains our communities and strengthens our economy.”

The idea of using landmark illumination as a public awareness campaign is not new to New York—its skyline has been bathed in lights to mark everything from environmental milestones to cultural celebrations. But this particular initiative carries a more personal resonance.

For many families, the glow of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge or the misty green cascade of Niagara Falls represents something deeply human: a child’s potential, a parent’s pride, and a collective belief in education as a force for progress.

In the state capital, where the Alfred E. Smith Building and Empire State Plaza shone in solidarity, the display symbolized the collaboration of government, academia, and community organizations in pursuit of a common goal—empowering the next generation of scholars, thinkers, and innovators.

As part of the campaign, students and families are encouraged to visit hesc.ny.gov/CAM, where they can explore the list of participating institutions and access digital resources tailored to the application process. The website also provides eligibility details and guidance for students who may need assistance identifying fee-waiver opportunities beyond October.

Participating institutions include all 64 SUNY campuses, CUNY’s 25 campuses, and dozens of private colleges—ranging from small liberal arts schools to major research universities. The diversity of institutions reflects New York’s broader commitment to offering students a wide range of academic pathways and career opportunities.

By month’s end, as the lights on bridges, buildings, and waterfalls dim back to their usual hues, the message will endure: education remains the state’s brightest investment.

College Application Month is as much about awareness as it is about empowerment—a reminder that behind every application is a story of perseverance, family, and hope. For New York’s high school seniors, October represents more than just deadlines and forms—it’s a month of illumination, both literal and symbolic.

As Dr. Linares put it, “When we light up our landmarks, we’re lighting up futures.”