Financial Assistance

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 Universal

Each tuition assistance option has its own rules, including:

  • Who is eligible
  • What documentation is required
  • Which programs are covered
  • Application timelines and deadlines

Eligibility varies by funding source.
Being eligible for one option does not guarantee eligibility for another.

Before You Enroll

To avoid delays or missed opportunities:

  • Review each funding option carefully
  • Pay close attention to deadlines and processing timelines
  • Begin the application process as early as possible

Funding is often limited, competitive, and time-sensitive.

SCHOLARSHIPS

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:
  • Covers up to 90% of Workforce program tuition
  • Maximum award: $3,500
  • Students may pay up to 10% of tuition
  • Fees are not covered (e.g., registration, exams, materials)
  • Award funds must be used by June 30 of the fiscal year
  • Students must register for their approved Workforce program for funds to be applied
Who Is Eligible:
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher at least 5 years ago, if applicable
  • Be a New York City resident (non-NYC residents may apply; priority given to NYC residents)
  • Submit a Personal Statement
  • Provide documentation demonstrating financial need
Eligible Programs

Any Workforce Development program offered by the Office of Workforce Development in the spring or fall semester

Not eligible:

  • Degree (matriculated) programs
  • Ed2Go online career programs
Application Timeline

Applications open twice per year for 8 weeks only:

  • Fall Semester: June – August
  • Spring Semester: October – December

Decisions are issued 3–4 weeks after the application deadline.

How to Apply (Required Steps)
  1. Watch the 10-minute virtual CSS Information Session
    Learn eligibility requirements, documentation needed, and how to write a strong Personal Statement.
  2. Contact the College Liaison (Optional but Recommended)
    Schedule a free 30-minute coaching session for Personal Statement support and to receive the application link.
  3. Submit the Online Application
    Upload your Personal Statement and financial documentation through the application portal.
  4. Confirm Award & Register
    If selected, confirm acceptance and pay the remaining tuition balance (up to 10%) to complete registration.

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.

 

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:
  • Full tuition coverage for the CCMA program (limited availability)
  • Scholarship funds are released after program completion
Who Is Eligible:
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Provide required identification, work authorization, and educational documentation
  • Commit to completing the CCMA program and seeking employment in the field after completion

    Additional details are provided during the required information session.
Eligible Programs
  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Application Timeline Limited scholarships are limited and not guaranteed
How to Apply (Required Steps)
  1. Watch the Virtual Information Session
    Learn eligibility requirements, application steps, and documentation needed.
  2. Submit the Scholarship Application
    Complete the application and upload all required documentation.
  3. Application Review
    The Scholarship Committee reviews all materials and issues a determination.
  4. Interview (If Selected)
    Applicants moving forward will receive an email with an interview scheduling link.

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:
  • Covers a majority of the Welding Program tuition
  • Scholarship funds are issued after program completion
  • The scholarship award is paid directly to the Office of Workforce Development
  • Recipients must pay a $500 materials fee in full prior to registration
Who Is Eligible:
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Provide required identification, work authorization, and educational documentation
  • Commit to completing the Welding Program and seeking employment in the field after completion
Eligible Programs
  • Welding Program only

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)
  1. Submit the Online Application
    The DOL Welding Scholarship application is available on the CSI Continuing Education website.
  2. Application Review & Consultation
    Qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person consultation with a Job Developer or Student Advisor.
  3. Submit Supporting Documentation
    After the consultation, applicants must submit required documentation for final review.
  4. Award Notification
    Applicants receive an email confirming scholarship determination.
  5. Confirm Enrollment
    Awarded students must pay the $500 materials fee to secure registration in the Welding Program.

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:
  • Up to $4,000 in total funding; covering:
    • Tuition
    • Training courses
    • Licensing, certification, or examination fees
    • Funding applies to programs that lead to portable career credentials

All programs and institutions must be approved under the MyCAA program.

Who Is Eligible:
  • Spouses of active-duty service members in pay grades:
    • E-1 to E-9
    • W-1 to W-3
    • O-1 to O-3
  • Spouses of National Guard and Reserve members in the same pay grades when the service member is on Title 10 orders
  • Coast Guard spouses in qualifying pay grades
  • Applicants must be able to start and complete their training while the sponsor is on active duty

Spouses who become ineligible due to a promotion remain eligible if an approved training plan was in place prior to the promotion.

Eligible Programs
  • Workforce and career training programs that:
    • Lead to a certificate, certification, license, or associate degree
    • Are offered by a MyCAA-approved institution

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)
  • Create a MyCAA Account
    Eligible spouses must establish a free MyCAA account through the official MyCAA website.
  • Develop a Training Plan
    Select an approved program and submit a training plan for approval before enrolling.
  • Receive Funding Authorization
    Once the training plan is approved, MyCAA funds are authorized for eligible costs.
  • Complete Enrollment
    Coordinate with the Office of Workforce Development to finalize registration using MyCAA funding.

VOUCHERS

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.

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:
  • May cover tuition and approved course-related fees, including:
    • Registration fees
    • Exam fees
    • Books (if approved by the counselor)
    • Voucher amount and covered expenses are determined by the assigned ACCES-VR counselor
    • Tuition and fees are billed to ACCES-VR after successful completion of required training hours or program duration
Who Is Eligible:
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Provide documentation of a disability (e.g., IEP, medical or health records)
  • Meet ACCES-VR program eligibility requirements as determined by the agency.

Eligibility determinations and service approvals are made solely by ACCES-VR.

Eligible Programs
  • Workforce Development programs offered by the Office of Workforce Development (spring or fall)
  • Eligible ETPL programs listed under the College of Staten Island in the NYC Training Guide

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.:

  • ACCES-VR approval and voucher processing require coordination and advance planning. Students are encouraged to apply early and submit proposal letters well before program start dates to avoid delays.

For eligibility details, application steps, and processing timelines, visit the ACCES-VR website.

How to Apply (Required Steps)
  1. Apply to ACCES-VR
    Contact your local ACCES-VR office to begin the eligibility and intake process.
  2. Request a Proposal Letter
    Once deemed eligible, email Continuing.Education@csi.cuny.edu to request a proposal letter for your selected program.
    Include:
    Your full name and contact information
    Your assigned ACCES-VR counselor’s name and contact information
    Proposal letters are issued within two weeks.
  3. Submit Proposal Letter to ACCES-VR Counselor
    The proposal letter must be provided to your counselor at least four (4) weeks prior to the program start date to allow for voucher processing.
  4. Voucher Approval & Enrollment
    Upon voucher approval, the Office of Workforce Development coordinates enrollment in the approved program.

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:
  • Covers up to $5,000 in tuition per academic year
  • Tuition only (course-related fees such as registration fees are not covered)
  • Students are responsible for paying their registration fee
  • Voucher recipients must:
    • Complete all required months or training hours
    • Sign a participation agreement acknowledging full financial responsibility if the program is not completed
Who Is Eligible:
  • Be a New York State government employee
  • Meet NYS & CSEA Partnership eligibility requirements
  • Apply through an approved training provider
  • Use issued vocational or non-degree vouchers toward Workforce or eligible ETPL programs

Eligibility and voucher approval are determined by the NYS & CSEA Partnership.

Eligible Programs
  • All Workforce Development programs offered by the Office of Workforce Development
  • Eligible ETPL programs listed under the College of Staten Island in the NYC Training Guide

Students should confirm program eligibility prior to applying for a voucher.

Application Timeline
  • Voucher availability and processing timelines are set by the NYS & CSEA Partnership
  • Funding applies only to tuition, not fees
  • Failure to complete the program results in full financial responsibility for the voucher amount
  • Policies and timelines may change; applicants should confirm details before enrolling
     
How to Apply (Required Steps)
  1. Review eligibility requirements and voucher guidelines directly through the NYS & CSEA Partnership
  2. Apply for the tuition voucher or reimbursement through the Partnership’s application process
  3. Once approved, coordinate with the Office of Workforce Development to complete enrollment

For detailed application steps, timelines, and required documentation, applicants must refer to the NYS & CSEA Partnership website.

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:
  • Tuition
  • Books
  • Certification and licensing exams


Voucher funds are paid directly to the training provider
No out-of-pocket tuition costs for approved participants

Who Is Eligible:
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
  • Provide required I-9 employment eligibility documentation
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Create a MyTEF account and submit an application with all required documents
  • Receive approval from the 1199 SEIU Training & Employment Funds

Eligibility determinations are made by 1199 SEIU.

Eligible Programs
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)

Only approved programs under the CPT pathway are eligible.

Application Timeline
  • CPT funding requires a mandatory three-year service commitment
  • Eligibility review takes approximately 30 days

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and review service requirements carefully before beginning the process.

How to Apply (Required Steps)
  1. Create a MyTEF Account
    Visit the MyTEF portal to submit your CPT application and upload required documentation.
  2. Request a Support Letter
    After submitting your MyTEF application, email Continuing.Education@csi.cuny.edu to request a support letter from the Office of Workforce Development.
  3. Application Review (Up to 30 Days)
    The 1199 SEIU team reviews applications, documents, and support letters to determine eligibility.
  4. Sign the Service Commitment Agreement
    Approved applicants must sign a three-year service payback agreement with an eligible healthcare or behavioral health employer
  5. Acceptance & Registration
    Approved participants receive an acceptance letter and are registered in the eligible Workforce program.

Union/Employer Tuition Reimbursement

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.

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.
 

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

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:

  • Are enrolling in a certificate or workforce training program
  • Are not eligible for scholarships, grants, or vouchers
  • Need financing to cover tuition and related educational expenses
  • Are able to meet lender credit requirements (or apply with a co-signer, if required)


Eligibility, approval, and loan terms are determined solely by the lender.

Important Considerations
  • Private loans must be repaid with interest
  • Interest rates, fees, and repayment terms vary
  • Borrowing may impact future financial obligations
  • Students should exhaust scholarships, grants, and voucher options first, when available


The College strongly recommends that students fully understand their financial responsibility before committing to a private loan.

Example Private Lender

Sallie Mae Career Training Student Loan

  • Designed for professional training and certificate programs
  • May be used for workforce-related fields such as culinary, technical, and career training programs
  • Loan terms, interest rates, and repayment options vary by borrower

Students must apply directly through the lender’s website for details and eligibility.

Enrollment Process
  • Students apply for private loans independently
  • Upon loan approval, funds are disbursed according to lender policies
  • Students are responsible for coordinating payment deadlines with the Office of Workforce Development

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.