Governor Hochul Announces Nearly 1,000 New Future Nurses as Part of Ongoing Efforts to Strengthen and Bolster New York State Health Care Workforce

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly 1,000 new future nurses as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and bolster New York State's health care workforce. Applicants were announced as winners of the "Nurses for Our Future" Scholarship Program - an initiative designed to recruit and retrain nursing and healthcare professionals to serve as New York State Registered Nurses, which are in high demand. Winners will receive tuition to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing at a two-year or four-year SUNY or CUNY college or university.

"Nurses have always been invaluable to the health care system, but throughout the pandemic, they proved time and time again the lengths they were willing to go to protect New Yorkers and save lives," Governor Hochul said. "New York is proud of our nurses, and this scholarship will go a long way in strengthening the workforce with individuals who are ready to begin their education and training."

During her State of the State address, Governor Hochul set an ambitious goal to grow the State's health care workforce by 20 percent over the next five years. There are currently more than 9,300 openings for Registered Nurses in New York State.

New York State Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett said, "Nurses are the cornerstone of health care and became vital frontline first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scholarship program will ensure New York State is equipped with the best and brightest SUNY and CUNY have to offer. I applaud the Governor for investing in this critical program at a time when nurses in such high demand."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Nurses are the backbone of our precious health care system. These scholarships will help feed this critical workforce pipeline to ensure that our medical systems statewide are fully staffed and ready to care for the needs of all New Yorkers, well beyond the duration of the pandemic. By helping these health care heroes achieve their career goals, we are ensuring a safer and healthier New York for years to come."

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, "A number of years ago I served on the Senate’s nursing shortage subcommittee and I am pleased to see our State moving forward with this initiative. As our economy recovers, it is critical that our public education institutions address the demands of our time and prepare future generations to meet these needs. I am proud the Legislature partnered with the Governor on this endeavor to provide opportunities to New Yorkers."

Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said, "Nurses are the cornerstone of health care, and it is crystal clear that we need more of these skilled and compassionate caretakers in our hospitals and medical offices. I'm excited for this first cohort of Nurses for Our Future scholars to receive an exceptional and tuition-free education at our SUNY and CUNY schools, and I wish them every success as they prepare to care for New Yorkers in the future."

New York State Nurses Association President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN said, "Quality care depends on having enough nurses at the bedside to care for patients. We appreciate Governor Hochul for recognizing the need for more nurses and for making historic investments in nursing education and in our excellent public university system. The Nurses for Our Future Scholarship program will help attract and train more nurses to help New York's health care facilities staff more safely. Investing in the nursing workforce now is one part of the solution to deliver quality care for all New Yorkers into the future."

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, "Congratulations to the winners of the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship Program and thank you for your commitment to give back to New Yorkers in need. Nurses have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years, and we need a robust supply of skilled and talented nurses now more than ever. I thank Governor Hochul for implementing this important program to address the nursing shortage by incentivizing nurses or those interested in a career in health care with the opportunity to broaden their opportunities and advance their education, tuition-free, at one of New York's world-class institutions."

SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said, "SUNY campuses are expanding opportunities to meet the dire need for more health care heroes in New York State, and beyond. Our over 70 nursing programs across the state offer flexibility, top-tier training simulation labs, mentorship, and an open door to rewarding careers in medicine. We thank Governor Hochul for paving the way for today's awardees to reach their dreams and become the next generation of caregivers and lifesavers in our state."

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, "We congratulate the winners of the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship, many of whom will be joining us at CUNY this fall to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree. Our more than 50 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in nursing on 14 CUNY campuses proudly educate the medical professionals that go on to care for New Yorkers. Thousands of CUNY graduates and students have served on the frontlines of New York's COVID battle, and we stand ready to continue doing our part in addressing the state's great need. We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to providing pathways that run through CUNY toward nursing and other fields that are vital to our state's well-being."

To be part of the Nurses for Our Future Scholarship drawing, participants completed an online entry. The scholarships were awarded to New York State licensed nurses to earn a BSN, New York State residents newly seeking an ADN, and out-of-state licensed nurses who will relocate and practice in New York State to earn a BSN.

Student awardees will be able to complete their programs with a flexible schedule, either part-time or full-time. Scholarships will cover the actual tuition charged by the public college or university for four full-time semesters. Awards will be pro-rated for recipients attending less than full-time.