City Scholarship For Graduate Studies Now Open for Applications

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program. Through this competitive program, city employees can receive full or partial scholarships to seek advanced degrees, on their own time, in such areas as public administration, public health, law and education.

Twenty-two colleges and universities are offering a limited number of scholarships for classes that begin in the fall of 2009. To qualify for consideration, civil servants must submit their request to their agency's personnel office by Monday, Nov. 17.

Information Systems Scholarship

This year, the graduate scholarship includes a new study opportunity at Touro College for a Master of Science in Information Systems.

City government employees interested in obtaining applications and details about scholarship offerings should visit the MGSP Web site at www.nyc.gov/mgsp.

For general information or assistance, call (212) 669-4163.

Employees are encouraged to apply early. Last year, the city received nearly 400 applications and awarded more than 30 scholarships.

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

Criteria for Awards

All award decisions are made by the participating colleges based on scholastic ability, leadership potential, range of knowledge, experience and applicable test scores. Most schools require applicants to have maintained not less than a 2.5 grade point average during undergraduate studies.

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

The participating schools for the 2009-2010 academic year are listed below. Refer to the MGSP guide at www.nyc.gov/mgsp for further information about offerings in specific degree programs.