Not Financial Aid but Tuition Assistance you can rely on!
The Office of Workforce Development does not accept federal or state financial aid (including Pell Grants, TAP, or FAFSA) that are used for credit-bearing degree programs. Our programs are non-credit, Continuing Education and Workforce training programs, which makes them ineligible for traditional college financial aid.
While federal financial aid cannot be used, we do accept multiple tuition assistance and funding options specifically designed for workforce and career training, including:
- Grant-funded Scholarships
- Training vouchers
- Employer- and union-based funding
- Military and military spouse education benefits
- Private payment and approved private loans
These options are listed below with full details.
Important: Eligibility Is Not UniversalEach tuition assistance option has its own rules, including:
Eligibility varies by funding source. |
Before You EnrollTo avoid delays or missed opportunities:
Funding is often limited, competitive, and time-sensitive. |
SCHOLARSHIPS
Career Success Scholarship (CSS)
The Career Success Scholarship (CSS) is a CUNY-wide funding opportunity for adults enrolling in Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs during the spring or fall semester. Administered by the City University of New York (CUNY), this competitive scholarship can cover up to 90% of tuition costs (maximum $3,500) for eligible students.
Funding is limited and application windows are short. Students are strongly encouraged to begin the process early for the upcoming semester.
| What the Scholarship Covers: |
|
| Who Is Eligible: |
|
| Eligible Programs |
Any Workforce Development program offered by the Office of Workforce Development in the spring or fall semester Not eligible:
|
| Application Timeline |
Applications open twice per year for 8 weeks only:
Decisions are issued 3–4 weeks after the application deadline. |
| How to Apply (Required Steps) |
Plan Ahead. Apply Early. The Career Success Scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of workforce training—but funding is competitive and deadlines are firm. Begin the process as soon as applications open to secure funding for the upcoming semester. |
CCMA Santander Bank Scholarship
The CCMA Santander Bank Scholarship provides limited full-tuition scholarship opportunities to support students enrolling in the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Program. Available through Fall 2026, this funding is designed to reduce financial barriers for individuals pursuing a career in clinical healthcare.
Scholarships are limited and awarded through a competitive review process.
| What the Scholarship Covers: |
|
| Who Is Eligible: |
|
| Eligible Programs |
|
| Application Timeline | Limited scholarships are limited and not guaranteed |
| How to Apply (Required Steps) |
|
Welding Dept. of Labor (DOL) Scholarship
The Welding Department of Labor (DOL) Scholarship provides limited full-tuition scholarship opportunities through Fall 2026 for eligible individuals pursuing the Welding Program. Scholarship awards cover a majority of the tuition cost, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Scholarship recipients are responsible for a $500 materials fee, which must be paid prior to program registration.
| What the Scholarship Covers: |
|
| Who Is Eligible: |
|
| Eligible Programs |
This scholarship cannot be applied to other training programs. |
| Application Timeline | Applicants are encouraged to apply early to be considered for available funding through Fall 2026. |
| How to Apply (Required Steps) |
|
MyCAA Military Spouse Scholarship
The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship, administered by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Program, provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing portable, high-demand careers.
MyCAA funding may be used for tuition, training courses, and examinations leading to a certificate, certification, license, or associate degree at an approved institution.
| What the Scholarship Covers: |
All programs and institutions must be approved under the MyCAA program. |
| Who Is Eligible: |
Spouses who become ineligible due to a promotion remain eligible if an approved training plan was in place prior to the promotion. |
| Eligible Programs |
Students must confirm program eligibility within their MyCAA account prior to enrollment. |
| Application Timeline | Applicants are encouraged to apply early to be considered for available funding through Fall 2026. |
| How to Apply (Required Steps) |
|
VOUCHERS
1199SEIU Members
If you are currently an 1199SEIU member, you may be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement.
To obtain reimbursement for a continuing education course, you must submit a completed application with all supporting documents to the Training and Upgrading Fund within 90 days of completing the course.
For questions or an application, call the Tuition Assistance Hotline at 646.473.9200. You can also email training@1199funds.org.
ACCES-VR Voucher
The ACCES-VR Voucher, administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), supports individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining employment and independent living. Eligible participants may use an ACCES-VR voucher toward the tuition and approved fees for a Workforce Development program offered in the spring or fall semester or an eligible ETPL program through the Office of Workforce Development.
Eligibility and application are determined by ACCES-VR. Students must work directly with an assigned ACCES-VR counselor throughout the process.
| What the Voucher Covers: |
|
| Who Is Eligible: |
Eligibility determinations and service approvals are made solely by ACCES-VR. |
| Eligible Programs |
Students should confirm program eligibility with their ACCES-VR counselor prior to enrollment.Staten Island in the NYC Training Guide |
| Application Timeline |
Process for voucher is available at any time.:
For eligibility details, application steps, and processing timelines, visit the ACCES-VR website. |
| How to Apply (Required Steps) |
|
NYS & CSEA Partnership Tuition Voucher
The NYS & CSEA Partnership Tuition Voucher supports eligible New York State government employees seeking professional development through approved training providers. Qualified participants may receive up to $5,000 in tuition coverage per academic year or opt for reimbursement, depending on Partnership guidelines.
Vouchers may be applied toward Workforce Development programs or eligible ETPL programs offered through the Office of Workforce Development.
| What the Voucher Covers: |
|
| Who Is Eligible: |
Eligibility and voucher approval are determined by the NYS & CSEA Partnership. |
| Eligible Programs |
Students should confirm program eligibility prior to applying for a voucher. |
| Application Timeline |
|
| How to Apply (Required Steps) |
For detailed application steps, timelines, and required documentation, applicants must refer to the NYS & CSEA Partnership website. |
1199SEIU (CPT) Voucher
The 1199 SEIU Career Pathways Training (CPT) Voucher provides full tuition coverage for approved healthcare and behavioral health workforce training programs. Available to 1199 members and non-members, this voucher supports training in select career pathway titles at participating providers.
Participants approved for CPT funding must agree to a three (3)-year service commitment with an approved healthcare or behavioral health employer serving a significant Medicaid or uninsured patient population.
| What the Voucher Covers: |
|
| Who Is Eligible: |
Eligibility determinations are made by 1199 SEIU. |
| Eligible Programs |
Only approved programs under the CPT pathway are eligible. |
| Application Timeline |
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and review service requirements carefully before beginning the process. |
| How to Apply (Required Steps) |
|
Union/Employer Tuition Reimbursement
1199SEIU Members
If you are currently an 1199SEIU member, you may be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement.
To obtain reimbursement for a continuing education course, you must submit a completed application with all supporting documents to the Training and Upgrading Fund within 90 days of completing the course.
For questions or an application, call the Tuition Assistance Hotline at 646.473.9200. You can also email training@1199funds.org.
DC 37 Members
Many courses are reimbursable for NYC employees who are members of District Council 37. For general information, to check eligibility, or to request a tuition reimbursement application, call 212.815.1663 or visit District Council 37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO.
NYS and CSEA Members
CSEA-represented employees may apply for vouchers for courses at approved providers. Eligible courses typically include credit and non-credit classes in college preparation, trades, business, and technical fields aligned with NYS workforce needs. Students must register or confirm pre-registration with a provider before applying for vouchers.
Private Student Loans
Loan Information
Private student loans may be used to help cover educational expenses for certificate and workforce training programs. The College does not recommend or endorse any specific lender and does not participate in preferred lender arrangements. Students are encouraged to carefully review all loan terms and compare options before borrowing.
Private loans are arranged directly between the student and the lender.
| Who Should Consider This Option |
Private student loans may be appropriate for students who:
|
| Important Considerations |
|
| Example Private Lender |
Sallie Mae Career Training Student Loan
Students must apply directly through the lender’s website for details and eligibility. |
| Enrollment Process |
Private student loans are one of several ways to finance workforce training. Students are encouraged to explore all funding options, review loan agreements carefully, and make informed decisions based on long-term financial goals. |