Advance Your Career with the Mayor’s Undergraduate Scholarship Program 2026 in New York City

The Mayor’s Scholarship Program (MSP) 2026–2027 offers undergraduate scholarships that allow eligible employees to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree while continuing to work. With the Fall 2026 application cycle now open, this is a valuable opportunity to gain higher education, improve your career prospects, and receive financial support—all while staying employed. The application deadline is April 27, 2026.

About the Opportunity

The Mayor’s Scholarship Program (MSP) is an initiative by the City of New York designed to support the professional development of its workforce. Originally focused on graduate studies, the program has expanded to include undergraduate scholarships, enabling city employees to pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees at participating colleges and universities.

This program allows employees to balance work and education, as participants continue their full-time roles while studying during their own time. Scholarship awards are provided and determined by participating institutions, making this a collaborative effort between the city and higher education providers.

The MSP is designed to make higher education more accessible to public servants by reducing financial barriers and supporting their long-term career growth. It also helps strengthen the city’s workforce by equipping employees with new skills, knowledge, and qualifications that can be applied directly to their roles.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Access to higher education can be a major barrier for working professionals, especially those balancing financial responsibilities and full-time employment. The Mayor’s Scholarship Program addresses this challenge by allowing city employees to pursue a degree without leaving their jobs.

This initiative not only benefits individuals but also strengthens public service by creating a more skilled and educated workforce. Employees can apply their new knowledge directly to their roles, improving efficiency and service delivery across city agencies.

Furthermore, by partnering with educational institutions, the program ensures that employees have access to quality academic programs while receiving financial support. It promotes lifelong learning and empowers workers to take control of their professional development.

What You’ll Gain

The Mayor’s Undergraduate Scholarship Program offers several important benefits:

Financial Support: Scholarships funded by participating colleges and universities to help cover tuition costs.

Career Advancement: Earn a recognized associate or bachelor’s degree to improve promotion opportunities.

Work-Study Balance: Continue working full-time while pursuing your education.

Skill Development: Gain new knowledge and practical skills that enhance your professional performance.

Long-Term Growth: Strengthen your qualifications for future roles within or beyond city government.

This opportunity is especially valuable for employees who want to advance their careers without interrupting their income or job stability.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the undergraduate scholarships, applicants must:

Be a full-time New York City government employee.

Have completed a high school diploma or equivalent by the start of the scholarship year (Fall 2026).

Remain a full-time NYC government employee throughout the course of study.

Maintain good academic standing as a student.

Attend classes on their own time.

There is no minimum length of employment required, making this opportunity accessible even to relatively new employees. Additionally, recipients are not required to remain in city service after completing their degree, providing flexibility for future career decisions.

Application Process and Deadline

The application process requires careful attention to instructions and coordination with your agency:

Check Participating Schools: Confirm that your chosen college or program is included in the Mayor’s Scholarship Offering Guide.

Apply to the School: Submit your academic application directly to the institution if required.

Complete Scholarship Application: Fill out the scholarship application for each school you are applying to.

Submit to Agency Personnel Office (APO): Submit your completed application(s) to your Agency Personnel Office, not directly to the school.

Agency Review: Your APO will verify your employment status and forward your application to the Mayor’s Scholarship Program office.

Applicants should confirm any internal deadlines with their agency, as some may require earlier submission.