New York City Mayor Mamdani and Yume Kitasei, Commissioner of the New York City Administration for Administrative Services, announced on March 30th the launch of the city’s first undergraduate scholarship program for city employees. The application period for undergraduate scholarships runs from now until April 27, and is applicable for courses starting in the fall of this year; while the graduate scholarship program is expected to open for applications in mid-September.
According to the city government, the “Mayor’s Scholarship Program” will allow full-time city employees to apply for financial assistance to pursue associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees. This program expands on the existing approximately 60-year-old “Mayor’s Graduate Scholarship Program.” In the past, the graduate program provided scholarship resources ranging from approximately $360,000 to $530,000 annually from collaborating colleges.
City government data shows a significant increase in demand for graduate scholarships in recent years, with application volumes rising by over 30% in the past two years. With the launch of this program, there are currently 10 collaborating schools, with more institutions in talks to join; the graduate program has expanded to include over 30 schools, including Columbia University, New York University, and Baruch College.
The initial participating undergraduate scholarship program institutions include: (1) Columbia University School of General Studies; (2) Fordham University; (3) Purchase College, State University of New York; (4) CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies; (5) Lehman College; (6) Marist University; (7) Metropolitan College of New York; (8) Adelphi University; (9) Albertus Magnus College; and (10) Montclair State University.
The city government emphasizes that all scholarships are provided and funded directly by the participating institutions, and the Mayor’s Scholarship Program itself does not utilize city government financial resources. Eligible city employees must apply through their respective institutions and meet the admission criteria of each school.