NYC Launches Scholarship Program for City Workers

New undergraduate track expands longstanding graduate program to support career advancement

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:24am

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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei announced the launch of the City's first undergraduate scholarship program for municipal employees, expanding the existing Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program. The new initiative aims to make education more accessible and support career growth for New York City's public workforce.

Why it matters

The scholarship program is part of the Mamdani administration's broader efforts to invest in workforce development and create new pathways for career advancement among city employees. Nearly half of the city's 100,000 workers do not hold an undergraduate degree, highlighting the need for this type of educational support.

The details

The Mayor's Scholarship Program will now offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with participating colleges and universities collectively awarding between $360,000 and $530,000 in scholarships each year. The initial cohort of 10 undergraduate partner institutions includes Adelphi University, Fordham University, and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, among others. The application period for the first undergraduate cohort will run from March 30 to April 27, with selected participants expected to begin their studies in fall 2026.

  • The application period for the first undergraduate cohort will run from March 30 to April 27, 2026.
  • Selected participants are expected to begin their studies in fall 2026.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who announced the launch of the new scholarship program.

Yume Kitasei

The Commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), which oversees the Mayor's Scholarship Program.

Julia Kerson

The Deputy Mayor for Operations, who emphasized the importance of education in building a skilled workforce for the city.

Shawana Singletary

The Chief Enrollment Officer at Adelphi University, one of the partner institutions in the scholarship program.

Shannon Clarke

The Chief Enrollment Officer at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, another partner institution.

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What they’re saying

“Our city moves when our workers do. For more than 60 years, this program has shown that when you make education accessible, working people seize the opportunity. By expanding it to include undergraduate degrees, we are investing in a new generation of public servants who act ambitiously, think creatively and believe firmly in government's power to deliver for the many.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to open doors, expand minds and build the skilled workforce our city needs to solve today and tomorrow's challenges. The new undergraduate scholarship will help remove financial barriers for City workers, creating pathways to professional growth and development.”

— Julia Kerson, Deputy Mayor for Operations

“Education is a powerful investment in our employees and the future of city government. By expanding the Mayor's Scholarship Program to include both undergraduate and graduate degrees, we are opening the doors for professional growth and building an even stronger workforce for New York City.”

— Yume Kitasei, DCAS Commissioner

“Adelphi University is honored to serve New York City through the Mayor's Scholarship Program, creating meaningful pathways for city employees to advance their education and careers.”

— Shawana Singletary, Chief Enrollment Officer, Adelphi University

“The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies is proud to partner with the Mayor's Scholarship Program, an initiative that reflects New York City's deep commitment to investing in the people who power our public institutions.”

— Shannon Clarke, Chief Enrollment Officer, CUNY SLU

What’s next

The application period for the first undergraduate cohort will run from March 30 to April 27, 2026, with selected participants expected to begin their studies in fall 2026. Applications for the graduate scholarship cohort will open in mid-September.

The takeaway

The expansion of the Mayor's Scholarship Program to include undergraduate degrees demonstrates the Mamdani administration's commitment to investing in the professional development and educational advancement of New York City's municipal workforce. By removing financial barriers and creating new pathways to higher education, the city is empowering its public servants to grow their skills and better serve their communities.