NYC Mayor’s Undergraduate Scholarship 2026: Study While Working in New York City Government

The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) has opened applications for the Mayor’s Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, a unique opportunity designed specifically for New York City government employees to pursue higher education while continuing their jobs.

This program marks a major expansion of the long-running Mayor’s Scholarship initiative, now supporting both undergraduate and graduate studies.

About the Scholarship

The Mayor’s Scholarship Program (MSP) enables eligible employees to:

• Pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree
• Study at participating colleges and universities
• Continue working full-time in NYC government

Unlike traditional scholarships, this program is tailored for working professionals seeking academic advancement.

Key Details

• Application Period: March 30 – April 27, 2026
• Study Start: Fall 2026
• Location: New York City
• Mode: Study while employed

Applicants must coordinate with their agency personnel office for submission.

Financial Coverage

• Scholarships are funded by partner universities
• Covers partial to full tuition support
• No direct cash funding from NYC government

Each participating institution decides:

• Scholarship amount
• Selection criteria
• Final award decisions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a full-time NYC government employee
• Hold a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Remain employed throughout the study period
• Maintain good academic standing

There is no minimum work experience required, making it accessible even to newer employees

Participating Universities

The program partners with top institutions such as:

• Columbia University School of General Studies
• Fordham University
• CUNY Lehman College
• Adelphi University

These institutions provide tuition support and academic programs aligned with workforce needs

Why This Program Matters

This scholarship is designed to:

• Remove financial barriers for city employees
• Build a more educated and skilled public workforce
• Support career growth within government

New York City launched this undergraduate track to meet growing demand from employees seeking degree qualifications for career advancement

Important Insight

This is not a global scholarship.

You must already be employed by the NYC government to apply. It is not open to:

• International students
• General public applicants
• Fresh high school graduates

Final Insight

The NYC Mayor’s Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 is a powerful initiative for public sector employees looking to advance their education without leaving their jobs.

While limited in eligibility, it represents a strong model of work-integrated education and workforce development.