City Scholarship Program Open Until Nov. 19

By REUVEN BLAU

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services is accepting applications for the Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program, which offers full or partial scholarships to city employees seeking graduate degrees.

The deadline for city workers to apply to the employee's agency personnel office is Nov. 19.

City employees interested in obtaining applications and details about scholarship opportunities should visit the MGSP Web site at www.nyc.gov/mgsp, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services said.

Workers are encouraged to apply early, DCAS added. Last year, nearly 400 applications were received, and 49 scholarships were awarded.

Interested employees should call 212-669-4163 for general information.

The scholarship application includes three separate essays. An employee must describe his or her present responsibilities, explain why graduate school is important, and cite what professional benefits could be gained personally and for city government by the employee having a graduate degree.

Selected scholars must remain full-time city government employees and students in good standing during the entire course of study.

The complete list of participating schools for the 2008-09 academic year can be obtained on-line at www.nyc.gov/mgsp. Interested employees should refer to the MGSP guide at that Web site for further information about offerings in specific degree programs and additional deadline requirements.