Governor Kathy Hochul has announced nearly 1,000 new future nurses will receive free tuition at CUNY or SUNY campuses starting this fall.
The program is part of efforts to strengthen and bolster New York State’s health care workforce. Applicants were announced as winners of the “Nurses for Our Future” Scholarship Program – an initiative designed to recruit and retrain nursing and healthcare professionals to serve as New York State Registered Nurses, which are in high demand. Winners will receive tuition to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing at a two-year or four-year SUNY or CUNY college or university.
“Nurses have always been invaluable to the health care system, but throughout the pandemic, they proved time and time again the lengths they were willing to go to protect New Yorkers and save lives,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is proud of our nurses, and this scholarship will go a long way in strengthening the workforce with individuals who are ready to begin their education and training.”
During her State of the State address, Governor Hochul set an ambitious goal to grow the State’s health care workforce by 20 percent over the next five years. There are currently more than 9,300 openings for Registered Nurses in New York State.
New York State Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett said, “Nurses are the cornerstone of health care and became vital frontline first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scholarship program will ensure New York State is equipped with the best and brightest SUNY and CUNY have to offer. I applaud the Governor for investing in this critical program at a time when nurses in such high demand.”
To be part of the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship drawing, participants completed an online entry. The scholarships were awarded to New York State licensed nurses to earn a BSN, New York State residents newly seeking an ADN, and out-of-state licensed nurses who will relocate and practice in New York State to earn a BSN.
Student awardees will be able to complete their programs with a flexible schedule, either part-time or full-time. Scholarships will cover the actual tuition charged by the public college or university for four full-time semesters. Awards will be pro-rated for recipients attending less than full-time.
