Scholarship Opportunity

NYS Child Welfare Worker Incentive Scholarship

Offered by New York State Higher Education Services Corporation

Degree support for experienced workers at licensed New York child welfare agencies.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelCollege Student, Graduate Student, Adult Learner

Eligibility

  • Currently work at a NYS OCFS-licensed voluntary nonprofit child welfare agency with two years of full-time or part-time direct-care or administrative/operational experience.
  • Enroll in an approved New York degree program and commit to five years of full-time direct-care child welfare work in New York after graduation.
  • Meet U.S. citizenship/eligible-noncitizen and 12-month NYS residence requirements, or establish applicable DREAM Act eligibility with HESC.
  • No income limit. Remain out of default on federal/state student loans or NYS award repayment and satisfy prior NYS award conditions.
  • Eligible majors: criminal justice, human services, mental health counseling, psychology, public health, social services, social work or sociology; full-time or part-time study.

Requirements

  • Apply during a future HESC window and sign the service contract.
  • Recipients complete FAFSA and TAP or applicable DREAM Act paperwork annually.
  • Support covers one degree: generally two associate/graduate years, four bachelor’s years, or five in an approved five-year program.

How to Apply

  1. 1Confirm employer and degree eligibility.
  2. 2Watch HESC for the next application window; the current one is closed.
  3. 3Begin full-time direct-care work within one year after graduation and reside/work in NYS for five years; unmet service may convert payments to a ten-year loan with interest.