Mayor Mamdani Launches City's First Undergraduate Scholarship for Municipal Workers

NEW YORK - Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei launched the city's first undergraduate scholarship program for municipal employees, with applications opening March 30.

The new undergraduate track expands the longstanding Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program, which has provided financial assistance to city employees for more than 60 years. Both programs will now operate under the rebranded "Mayor's Scholarship Program," overseen by DCAS.

The Mayor's Scholarship Program gives full-time New York City government employees the opportunity to pursue undergraduate and advanced degrees at participating colleges and universities across the region. The addition of undergraduate scholarships responds to sustained demand from city workers seeking support to earn bachelor's and associate degrees.

Applications to the graduate program have surged in recent years, increasing more than 30% over the past two years. Participating institutions collectively award between $360k and $530k in scholarships to city employees every year.

"Our city moves when our workers do," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "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."

"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," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. "The new undergraduate scholarship will help remove financial barriers for city workers, creating pathways to professional growth and development."

"Education is a powerful investment in our employees and the future of city government," said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. "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."

The undergraduate scholarship program launches in partnership with 10 colleges and universities, with additional institutions in the pipeline. The graduate program has grown to include more than 30 participating schools, including Adelphi University, Columbia University, Baruch College, New York University and others.

All scholarships are awarded and funded directly by participating institutions. The Mayor's Scholarship Program does not provide direct funding.

The initial cohort of undergraduate partner institutions includes:

• Adelphi University
• Albertus Magnus College
• Columbia University School of General Studies
• CUNY Lehman College
• CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
• Fordham University
• Montclair State University
• Marist University
• Metropolitan College of New York
• Purchase College, SUNY

"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," said Shawana Singletary, Chief Enrollment Officer, Adelphi University. "With a beautiful Garden City campus on Long Island, just 45 minutes from New York City, and a new Manhattan Center located at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street in Midtown, Adelphi offers students both accessibility and excellence. Our programs in social work, education, healthcare, psychology and business are designed to strengthen the workforce and support the communities that make New York thrive."

"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," said Shannon Clarke, Chief Enrollment Officer, CUNY SLU. "Rooted in the history and enduring legacy of the labor movement, SLU is dedicated to advancing public service and social justice, equity and opportunity through education. We believe that expanding access to undergraduate and graduate study for municipal employees not only supports individual career mobility but also strengthens the collective capacity of our public workforce to lead with fairness, dignity and impact. This partnership represents more than a scholarship opportunity; it is an investment in workers, in communities and in a stronger, more just and inclusive city. We are honored to support city employees as they continue their educational journeys and deepen their contributions to New York City."

"Purchase College, SUNY is proud to partner with New York City through the Mayor's Scholarship Program to expand access to higher education for New York City's public servants," said Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper. "Through a substantial tuition reduction, we are opening pathways to our distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, liberal arts and sciences. As Westchester's only comprehensive public college, public service is at the heart of our mission. We look forward to welcoming these new students and supporting them as they pursue their academic and professional goals."

"Lehman College is proud to support the program, affirming our support of NYC's municipal workforce and the role these employees play in ensuring a prosperous future for all New Yorkers," said a Lehman College spokesperson.

"Columbia University School of General Studies is thrilled to participate in the Mayor's Undergraduate Scholarship Program," said a Columbia University spokesperson. "The expansion of this program to support full-time New York City employees seeking undergraduate education aligns perfectly with the School of General Studies' mission to attract and educate the most talented nontraditional students. We are excited to expand on our recent efforts to ensure that New York City's best students can access a Columbia University education."

The Mamdani administration is continuing to expand workforce development initiatives and create new pathways for career advancement. Based on a recent sampling of approximately 100,000 city employees, nearly half did not hold an undergraduate degree.

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

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.
• Managing 56 public buildings.
• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.
• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.
• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.
• Leading the City's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas and by following us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

Contact:
Amina Sarfraz
Communications Associate, Public Affairs
[email protected]