Published
Scholarship Incentive Program Addresses the Critical Need for Qualified Teachers in New York State Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.
Albany, NY – July 15, 2024 – The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) announces the opening of the Masters in Education Teaching Incentive Scholarship application for the 2024-25 academic year. This program offers scholarships toward the cost of tuition for full-time students pursuing their master’s degree at a SUNY or CUNY college or university that leads to certification as a public elementary or secondary education teacher.
The Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship is a vital program aimed at addressing the critical need for qualified teachers in New York State public elementary and secondary schools. Recipients of the scholarship must agree to live in New York State and teach for five years at a public elementary or secondary school within New York State.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, "The Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship not only supports aspiring teachers in their academic pursuits but also ensures that New York State continues to have a robust pipeline of highly qualified educators. Our goal is to provide financial relief to students while fostering a commitment to education excellence within our public schools."
New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "The Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship is an important tool in our efforts to ensure that every student in New York has access to a high-quality education. By supporting aspiring teachers financially and encouraging them to remain in New York, we are investing in the future of our schools and communities. This program reflects our commitment to fostering educational excellence and addressing the pressing need for dedicated and qualified educators in our public schools."
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Access to high-quality education for all New Yorkers is imperative to securing a prosperous future for the Empire State. SUNY is grateful for the passionate advocacy of Governor Kathy Hochul and our legislators in providing financial support for those dreaming of a career in the classroom. This scholarship will support today’s Masters students, and the students of tomorrow who will learn from them.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “CUNY is proud of its role preparing the city's teachers, but we know many of these aspiring instructors need help paying for their education. The Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship will provide our students with financial support so they can earn an advanced degree and give back to New York's schools.”
To qualify for the Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of New York State.
- Be enrolled full-time in a master's degree program in education at a participating institution.
- Received their undergraduate degree from a college or university in New York State and received a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their undergraduate studies.
- Commit to teaching in a New York State public school for a minimum of five years upon graduation.
Eligible students who are enrolled in an approved graduate program can apply for the scholarship. Students who do not meet the program citizenship and residency requirements can apply through the New York State DREAM Act.
The Application is open through August 26, 2024.
For more information, visit the Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship, program webpage.
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HESC is New York State’s student financial aid agency and a national leader in providing need-based grant and scholarship award money to college-going students. At HESC’s core are more than two dozen grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs, including the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Excelsior Scholarship. HESC puts college within the reach of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers each year through programs like these and through the guidance it provides to students, families, and counselors. HESC helps more than 300,000 students achieve their college dreams each year by providing more than $800M in grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness benefits.