Applications open for 'Nurses For Our Future' scholarship

Tuition covered for 1,000 new or current health care workers

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the opening of the application period for the "Nurses For Our Future.” The scholarship will cover tuition for 1,000 new or current health care workers to earn an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) at a two-year or four-year New York state public college or university.

"For the last two years, New York's nurses have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we owe each and every one of them a debt of gratitude," Hochul said. "As we continue to fight the virus, the 'Nurses For Our Future' scholarship will offer an important opportunity for the next generation of nurses to receive a top-tier education and ensure they are prepared to help protect their fellow New Yorkers when they are needed the most."

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have been facing a labor shortage and a massive influx of patients. The “Nurses For Our Future” scholarship program is a step designed to recruit and retrain nursing and health care professionals to serve in NYSRNs, which are most in need. There are currently more than 9,300 openings for registered nurses in this state. The scholarship will mean 1,000 more students can enter a nursing program in either SUNY or CUNY. Students will be able to complete their programs with a flexible schedule, either part-time or full-time.

NYSNA Executive Director Pat Kane, R.N., said, "Nurses have always been the backbone of our state's health care system, a fact that has become even clearer since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank Gov. Hochul's administration for recognizing their contribution, offering this scholarship, and broadening the opportunity for current and aspiring health care workers to learn the skills they need to better serve the people of New York state."

Up to 500 scholarships will be awarded for out-of-state licensed nurses who relocate and practice in New York to earn a BSN, 250 for New York state licensed nurses to earn a BSN and, 250 to New York state residents newly seeking an ADN.

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, and scholarships will not cover other costs of attendance, including fees, room-and-board, or other expenses.

This effort will incentivize New York state residents active in the health care field to upskill their career path and advance their education through the SUNY or CUNY system.

The “Nurses For Our Future” program run through SUNY and CUNY will recruit and retrain nursing and health care professionals, with tuition completely covered. The New York State Department of Labor will also help market new opportunities in the health care industry to those currently working in the field or those who are unemployed.

In addition, the New York State Department of Labor will help market these new opportunities to existing and unemployed workers, including opportunities available through regional SUNY Educational Opportunity Centers for entry-level nurse certifications in high demand, including certified nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse and nursing home aide.

Entries must be completed here.

By successfully transmitting a completed online entry form, each participant will be entered into the drawing.

For more information, visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/nurses-our-future-scholarship.