Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for the “Healthcare Workers for Our Future” Scholarship program?

No, you can still apply if you are not a U.S. citizen but meet the other requirements including being a resident of NYS and agree to fulfill the post-graduation requirement.

If I win, do I need to pay it back?

The award is a scholarship, which means that it does not need to be paid back. However, if you do not fulfill the terms of the post-award obligation, the amount of the award granted will convert to a zero-interest loan that will need to be paid back.

What is the post-award obligation?

You need to live in NYS and work in your approved field in an underserved area or areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields, in NYS for two years within 12 months of graduation. This obligation is applicable to all scholarship recipients.

I am continuing to work in underserved areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields while I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree. Does that time count toward my post-service obligation?

No, any period of employment, while you are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and are working in an underserved area or areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields, will not be credited toward your post-graduate Service Obligation unless you are working full-time (at least 35 hours per week) in an approved field.

I am already a registered nurse (RN) in NYS. Can I use this scholarship to obtain my bachelor’s degree?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship leading to a bachelor’s degree.

Are the eligibility requirements different for a student pursuing an associate degree versus a bachelor’s degree?

Associate Degree

To pursue an associate degree, you must live in New York State and:

• Matriculate in a degree-granting program and enroll full-time or part-time in an associate degree program at a New York State college or university by fall 2026.
• Agree to work full-time (at least 35 hours per week) in an approved field in an underserved area or areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields in NYS for two years within 12 months of graduation; and
• Provide all required documentation to your school to determine eligibility for payment of the “Healthcare Workers for Our Future” Scholarship.

Bachelor’s Degree

To pursue a bachelor’s degree, you must live in New York State and:

• Have earned an associate degree in one of the approved fields of study by the end of the spring 2024 semester and agree to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the fields of study OR have at least 60 credits in one of the approved fields by the end of the spring 2024 semester and agree to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the fields of study.
• Matriculate in a degree-granting program and enroll full-time or part-time in a bachelor’s degree program at a New York State college or university by fall 2026.
• Agree to work full-time (at least 35 hours per week) in an approved field in an underserved area or areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields in NYS for two years within 12 months of graduation; and
• Provide all required documentation to your school to determine eligibility for payment of the “Healthcare Workers for Our Future” Scholarship.

Do I have to be matriculated to retain the award?

Winners must be matriculated in a degree-granting program in one of the approved fields of study on a full-time or part-time basis to maintain eligibility to receive funds.

If I or my parent, stepparent, legal guardian, spouse, sibling, or other residing household member work for NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), NYS Office of Information and Technology Services (ITS), NYS Department of Health (DOH), or the NYS Executive Chamber, am I eligible to apply?

No, to be eligible to win a prize, you or your parent, stepparent, legal guardian, spouse, sibling, or other residing household member cannot be an employee of the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the NYS Department of Health (DOH), NYS Office of Information and Technology Services (ITS), or the NYS Executive Chamber.

Can Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) apply?

Yes. LPNs can apply and should indicate that they will be pursuing an associate degree in one of the approved fields of study on their entry form.

Can I apply for the scholarship if I have a degree in another field unrelated to nursing?

Individuals with a degree in an unrelated field may apply for a scholarship to earn an associate degree in one of the approved fields of study but cannot apply for a scholarship to earn a bachelor’s degree.

What is the deadline to enroll in an eligible degree-granting Program?

Fall 2026.

What happens if I do not complete my degree by the deadline?

Winners must complete their degree within three (3) years of initial enrollment if attending full-time or within five (5) years of initial enrollment if attending part-time or forfeit the remainder of the award. Any award recipients who do not complete their degree will have the amount of the award granted converted to a zero-interest loan that will need to be paid back.

Is there a certain grade point average (GPA) that has to be maintained to keep the award?

Recipients must independently meet all requirements for admission and continued attendance at their school, including all academic performance requirements and degree program requirements.

I’d like to enter the contest to receive the scholarship for my bachelor’s degree, but I am graduating with my associate degree later this year/next year. Can I use the award toward my bachelor’s degree in nursing instead?

For a bachelor’s degree, the program rules require you have earned an associate degree in one of the approved fields of study by the end of the spring 2024 semester and agree to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the fields of study OR have at least 60 credits by the end of the spring 2024 semester in one of the approved fields and agree to pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of the fields of study, at the time of entering the contest.

If I received the "Nurses for Our Future Scholarship," can I get this one instead?

Recipients of the "Nurses for Our Future" Scholarship program are eligible to enter for a chance to win a "Healthcare Workers for Our Future" Scholarship.

Winners will forfeit any future awards from the "Nurses for Our Future" Scholarship, which will be replaced by the "Healthcare Workers for Our Future" Scholarship for the remaining time beginning at the next full semester. Scholarship funds received from both awards cannot exceed two years in total. Recipients of the "Nurses for Our Future" Scholarship who win the "Healthcare Worker for Our Future" Scholarship will not be reimbursed for previous semesters. HWFOF winners will be excused from having to complete the NFOF service agreement but instead required to complete the HWFOF service agreement.

How much is this award for?

Winners will receive a two-year, full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, and other related expenses at any approved New York State public or private college or university (not to exceed the average cost of attendance at a state-operated SUNY or the actual cost of attendance, whichever is less).

Winners must be pursuing or planning to pursue any of the following fields of study:

• Registered Nurse (associate or bachelor’s)
• Respiratory Therapist (associate or bachelor’s)
• Clinical Laboratory Technologist (associate degree in clinical laboratory technology, bachelor’s in medical technology, also known as a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science)​
• Radiologic Technology (associate degree in radiologic technology; bachelor’s in radiological science
• Surgical Technology (associate degree in surgical technology)

What if I’m living off campus instead of on campus?

If you live off-campus, the total cost of attendance will be determined by the school using a commuter formula.

Do I need to live in NYS while I am receiving my degree?

Yes. You must live in New York State for the duration of your enrollment while working toward your degree.

When will I receive the award?

Funds will be available for students matriculated in an approved degree-granting program beginning in the fall of 2024.

Can I transfer my prize to someone else attending an eligible degree-granting program?

No, prizes are for the benefit of the applicant winners only and are not transferrable to any other person.

Will the award impact the winner’s taxes? Does the award need to be documented in tax returns?

We advise all recipients to check with their tax consultant or attorney as to how this award may impact their individual taxes. Recipients are responsible for any tax liability that may be incurred.

How many semesters will I receive my award for?

Payments are equal to two years of full-time study (4 full-time payments for full-time students). Awards are pro-rated for part-time students, based on the number of credits earned until all funds are exhausted. Winners will have 3 yrs. full-time/5 yrs. part-time to complete their degree from the date of enrollment.​ Any remaining funds will be forfeited after that.

Are scholarship winners allowed to attend their eligible degree-granting program virtually?

Winners will need to contact the specific NYS college or university to determine virtual program availability.

Are winners allowed to postpone their award? i.e., if a winner needs to finish the prerequisites for an eligible degree-granting program.

Winners must complete all prerequisites and be matriculated in an approved degree-granting program by fall 2026 in order to be eligible.

What type of agreement do I need to enter into to accept my prize?

Winners will be required to enter into an Associate or Bachelor's prize agreement governing the terms and conditions of acceptance of the “Healthcare Workers for Our Future” Scholarship.

Can I receive another NYS scholarship like a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award and the "Healthcare Workers for Our Future" Scholarship?

No. Winners receiving the "Healthcare Workers for Our Future" Scholarship are not entitled to receive TAP or any other NYS scholarship concurrently with the "Health Care Workers for Our Future" Scholarship.

If I win, am I guaranteed admission into an NYS College or University?

No, being selected as a winner is not a guarantee, nor does it assure admission or entry into an NYS college or university. Students must independently meet all requirements for admission and continued attendance at an institution, including but not limited to all academic performance requirements, degree program requirements, health requirements, and student conduct policies.

Can I choose the underserved area or areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields where I would like to work upon graduation?

You can obtain employment, for 2 years within 12 months of graduation, at any facility in NYS that is designated, at the time your employment begins, as being in an underserved area or areas where there is a shortage of qualified individuals in these fields. You can view current Health Professional Shortage Areas (HSPA) in New York State. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources & Services Administration maintains the information on this page.

• To access this website, callers may also:
  • Go to: data.hrsa.gov
  • Select: “Find Shortage Areas”
  • Select: “Find HPSAs (by location)”

Do winners need to complete prerequisites to be able to use the HWFOF scholarship?

Prerequisite courses required prior to acceptance into an approved degree program are not covered by this award. After students are enrolled in an approved degree program, they may be eligible to apply for reimbursement if the prerequisite courses taken are directly applicable to their degree. A college advisor can tell you whether the courses are part of the degree program.

What does the scholarship prize include?

The scholarship covers the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses), equal to the average cost of full-time attendance at a state-operated SUNY or the actual cost of attendance, whichever is less, for two years.​ Funds will be available for four semesters of full-time attendance and pro-rated for winners attending part-time based on the number of credits in which they are enrolled.

Does this award guarantee my admittance into a NYS College or University of my choice?

No, you must still apply and be accepted to an approved degree-granting program.

Does the scholarship cover room and board and other expenses?

The scholarship covers the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses), equal to the average cost of full-time attendance at a state-operated SUNY or the actual cost of attendance, whichever is less, for two years. Students attending an approved private college or university will receive the cost of full-time attendance equal to the average cost of full-time attendance at a state-operated SUNY or the winner’s actual cost of attendance, whichever is less.​

Is the college application fee covered as part of the scholarship?

No.

What are the approved New York State public and private colleges and universities?

A full list of approved New York State public and private colleges and universities can be found on the HESC website.

Can this award be used at the SUNY statutory colleges?

Yes. However, the award will not exceed the average cost of attendance at a state-operated SUNY. The student will be responsible for paying for the difference.

What if I attend part-time?

The award will be pro-rated based on the number of credits earned if you attend less than full-time. Payments are equal to two years of full-time study (4 full-time payments for full-time students).

How long do I have to complete my degree?

Winners must complete their degree within three years if attending full-time in an approved degree-granting program or within five years of initial enrollment in an approved degree-granting program if attending part-time or forfeit the remainder of the award.

I want to enroll in a private college. Can I use the scholarship?

Yes. The scholarship is valid for students studying or planning to study in an approved two- or four-year NYS public or private college or university​. The scholarship prize will not exceed the average cost of attendance at a state-operated SUNY or the actual cost of attendance, whichever is less.

I already paid for this semester. Can I be reimbursed through the scholarship?

No. Awards will be available beginning in the fall semester of 2024.

Should I complete the FAFSA?

We recommend everyone complete the FAFSA. Please note that the sum of all awards including the NYS HWFOF cannot exceed the total cost of tuition.

Can I receive PELL and the NYS HWFOF Scholarship?

Yes, however the sum of all awards, including PELL and NYS HWFOF cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.

How many scholarships does the “Healthcare Workers for Our Future” Scholarship cover?

The "Healthcare Workers for Our Future" Scholarship will cover the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses) equal to the average cost of full-time attendance at a state-operated SUNY or the actual cost of attendance, whichever is less, for approximately 500 students to earn an associate degree or bachelor’s degree at a two-year or four-year New York State college or university.

When does the contest close?

Entries must be submitted by June 24, 2024 at 11:59:59 pm.

How will I know if I am selected as a winner?

Winners will be randomly selected to win the scholarship. All winners will be notified by email from [email protected].

If you opted to receive text messages, you will also receive a text message.

What do I need to do if I am selected?

You will be required to confirm that you wish to accept the scholarship, sign a Prize Agreement to claim your award and provide additional documentation to your school to validate your eligibility to receive payment for the scholarship.

When will the winners be selected?

The exact date has not yet been determined.

What if a winner is not located?

In the event that an entry is deemed invalid, a discrepancy is found, a winner cannot be located, refuses the prize, refuses to provide verification information, does not promptly respond to the initial contact by state officials, or is otherwise unwilling or unable to be verified, the winner will be removed from the prize group, and the prize will be awarded to the next applicant in the order in which they were ranked until approximately 500 winners are verified.

If selected as a winner, how should the applicant send the required documentation?

Proof of verification will only be required for those selected as winners. Winners will be required to provide their documentation to their school prior to enrollment.

I never received an email after I submitted my scholarship application. Was it submitted?

Emails are automatically sent to the email address used on the application form. All application confirmation emails will come from [email protected]. Please check your junk mailbox. You will also receive a text message once you submit your entry, confirming your submission if you opted to receive text messages.

The scholarship application isn’t loading on my computer/mobile device. What do I do?

• Refresh the page:
  • Sometimes, a simple refresh can fix temporary glitches. Try pressing a refresh on your desktop computer or swiping down on a mobile device.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies:
  • Cached data can sometimes interfere with website functionality. Clearing your cache and cookies can help resolve the issue.
• Try a different internet connection:
  • If you're on Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data or vice versa. A weak or unstable internet connection can hinder loading.
• Try a different browser/device:
  • If possible, try accessing the application on a different device or browser. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your device or browser.
• Check for compatibility issues:
  • Ensure your device and browser meet the minimum requirements for the application website.

I can’t find the application on the website. Where is it located?

You can find scholarship details and the application at ny.gov/healthcareworkers.

I submitted my Entry Form and have not received an email confirmation.

If you received the submission confirmation at the end of the application process, your Entry Form was successfully received. Some email services may take longer to receive messages, or may block unrecognized senders. You should also check your junk mail for an email confirmation. If you did not receive a submission confirmation at the end of your submission form, nor an email confirmation, you should submit a new application.

I made an error on the Entry Form that I submitted. Can it be updated?

Changes cannot be made to Entry Forms once they have been submitted. If an applicant has made an error on their Entry Form, they should complete and submit a new Entry Form. The most recent Entry Form received will be entered into the Lottery.

Will submitting a second Entry Form affect my selection for the scholarship?

No. The last HWFOF Entry Form submitted by an applicant will be entered into the lottery. Any previous submissions will be discarded from the lottery.