Financial Assistance

Career Success Scholarship – Spring 2026

Applications Open Through 12/8/25

The Career Success Scholarship can cover up to 90% of your program tuition for eligible Spring 2026 CSI Workforce certificate programs. This scholarship supports learners preparing for high-demand careers and is ideal for students who are:

• Unemployed

• Seeking a career change

• Looking to advance through new training opportunities

Since 2008, the Helena Rubinstein Foundation has funded Career Success Scholarships for CUNY continuing education students, including a $1M endowed gift ensuring ongoing support for generations to come.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Watch the Career Success Scholarship Info Session video General Information for Application
Important: Watch until the end to receive the email needed to schedule your complimentary coaching session.

Step 2: After watching, email us to request your 30-minute coaching session link.

We’re here to support your application:

• Personalized scholarship guidance

• Assistance writing a strong Personal Statement

• Help navigating application processes & documentation

The Scholarship:

• Covers up to 90% of certificate program tuition
• Funding supports CE programs that prepare individuals for jobs where there is evidence of labor-market demand
• Students that are unemployed, seeking a career change, or looking to advance their career through education, are encouraged to apply

Since 2008, the Helena Rubinstein Foundation has supported scholarships for continuing education students at CUNY colleges who are seeking career advancement and has signaled its ongoing support for these activities through yearly grants to the University. In 2011, the Foundation made a one-million-dollar gift to CUNY to endow this scholarship fund, making it possible for Continuing Education students at CUNY to access funding for their programs in perpetuity.

MyCAA Scholarship (Military Spouses)

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing industry-recognized licenses, certifications, or Associate’s degrees in portable career fields.

1199SEIU Members – Tuition Reimbursement

Current 1199SEIU members may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for approved continuing education courses.
To qualify, you must submit a completed application with all required documentation to the Training and Upgrading Fund within 90 days of completing your course.

For questions or to request an application:
646.473.9200
training@1199funds.org

DC 37 Members – Tuition Reimbursement

NYC employees who are members of District Council 37 may qualify for partial or full tuition reimbursement for many of our courses.

For eligibility or application details:
212.815.1663
Visit District Council 37 AFSCME, AFL-CIO

ACCES-VR (Individuals With Disabilities)

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation supports New Yorkers with disabilities seeking employment through:

Training & upskilling

Occupational certifications

Career development services

Contact ACCES-VR:
718.816.4800
acces.nysed.gov/vr/

Department of Veterans Affairs – GI Bill® Education Benefits

Eligible veterans may use VA Education Benefits toward CSI Workforce Development programs.
You will need a copy of your DD-214 to verify benefits.

Learn more:
va.gov/education/eligibility/

Independent Training Accounts (ITAs) – HRA Recipients

Job seekers receiving cash assistance through NYC’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) may qualify for ITA vouchers to cover occupational training.

Speak to your HRA representative to learn more or locate your nearest office:
nyc.gov/hra/locations

NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training

CSEA-represented New York State employees may access tuition benefits to support career mobility and promotional readiness.
CSI participates in the Tuition Voucher Program for eligible training programs.

Apply online:
nyscseapartnership.org
School Code: 337 (The College of Staten Island/CUNY – NC)

Students may arrange a private loan to help cover educational expenses for certificate programs. The College does not recommend any specific lender or preferred lender arrangement. We recommend thoroughly investigating your loan options before making educational financing decisions. Private lenders include:

• Sallie Mae Student Loans

The 1199SEIU Training & Employment Fund (TEF) offers a fully funded Community Health Worker (CHW) training program for eligible applicants.

As a CHW, you’ll support community wellness, health advocacy, and patient connections—making meaningful impact in local neighborhoods.

Why this opportunity matters:

• Fully funded, high-quality training
• Skills that build career mobility & purpose
• Direct pathway to employment in a growth field

Next Available Cohort:

• Fall 2025 recruitment is now closed.
• Info Sessions resume January 2026 for Spring 2026 intake.

Selected trainees may qualify for tuition-covered CCMA training supported through Santander-funded workforce initiatives. More information and upcoming cycles will be shared during recruitment periods.

Workforce1 Individual Training Grants (ITGs) provide eligible New Yorkers with financial assistance to enroll in approved training programs that lead to in-demand, career-track jobs. ITGs can significantly reduce or fully cover the cost of qualifying Workforce certificate programs.

Please note: The ITG process is highly selective and requires multiple steps of documentation, verification, and career readiness assessments.

What to Expect

The full application and approval process typically takes 6–8 weeks before funding is awarded and training can begin. Because of the competitive nature of ITGs, applicants should start early and be prepared for the following:

• A detailed intake and eligibility screening
• Mandatory career advisement appointments
• Submission of extensive supporting documentation
• Job-readiness activities required by Workforce1
• Waiting for grant approval before registering for a class

Why Apply?

Approved applicants gain access to:

• Funding that may cover partial or full tuition for eligible programs
• Career services and job placement support through Workforce1
• Training aligned with NYC labor-market needs

Who Should Consider an ITG?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Job seekers committed to a structured application process
• Individuals aiming for high-demand, skills-based careers
• Applicants willing to complete required Workforce1 career steps

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before beginning, make sure you meet Workforce1’s basic requirements:

• Be actively looking for employment or currently employed and earning less than $91,000/year.
• Be ready to work immediately after training.
• Register to be a member of Workforce1.
• Have a minimum of a GED or high school diploma.

Eligibility is determined solely by Workforce1.

Step 2: Visit a Workforce1 Career Center

You must register in person at any Workforce1 Career Center in NYC (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island).
During registration:

• You will create or update your Workforce1 profile.
• You may be scheduled for your next required steps.

Step 3: Complete the Workforce1 Skills Assessment

After registering, Workforce1 will ask you to complete a skills test.
This helps determine whether you are academically prepared for the training program you want to pursue.

Step 4: Meet With a Workforce1 Career Counselor

A Career Counselor will:

• Review your skills assessment results
• Discuss your career goals
• Determine if training is appropriate for your employment plan
• Decide whether you may move forward with the ITG process

Approval to continue is not guaranteed and depends on your eligibility, skill level, training needs, and job placement potential.

Step 5: Research Approved Training Programs

Workforce1 requires applicants to choose programs listed in the NYC Training Guide.
You must:

• Identify the exact course
• Confirm start dates
• Ensure the program is ITG-eligible
• Obtain a training proposal letter from us by emailing continuing.education@csi.cuny.edu to request one for your program of choice.

(Your desired CSI Workforce program MUST appear in the Training Guide for ITG consideration.)

Step 6: Gather Required Documentation

Workforce1 will request documentation to support your application. This typically includes:

• Identification
• Employment history
• Proof of income or unemployment status
• Your school acceptance or program letter (provided by CSI Workforce)

Once you receive your school/program letter from us, submit it to your Workforce1 Counselor so they can proceed with your voucher request.

Step 7: Workforce1 Submits Your ITG Voucher for Approval

Your counselor will finalize your application and submit it to SBS for review.
Workforce1 will determine whether to approve or deny your ITG request.

Important: Approval is based on:

• Your eligibility
• Demonstrated training need
• Academic readiness
• Alignment with labor-market demand
• Likelihood of employment in the field

Step 8: Receive Your ITG Voucher (6–8 Weeks)

If approved, your voucher will be issued directly from Workforce1. Approval notifications typically take 6–8 weeks, and you cannot begin training until your voucher is fully approved.

Step 9: Schedule Your Training

Once you receive your ITG voucher:

• Contact us immediately to secure your seat
• We will help you schedule your study plan and confirm your training start date