New York state has opened applications for a scholarship program aimed at addressing nursing educator shortages by helping registered nurses pursue graduate degrees and transition into teaching roles.
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation announced Friday that applications are now being accepted for the 2026-27 Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program.
The program provides up to $20,000 annually, or the average cost of attendance at a state-operated SUNY graduate program, for registered nurses licensed in New York who are pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees that qualify them to become nursing faculty or adjunct clinical instructors.
State officials said the initiative is intended to strengthen the pipeline of nursing educators as healthcare systems and colleges continue facing staffing shortages.
Last year, the scholarship program awarded approximately $2.1 million to more than 100 nurses seeking careers in nursing education.
As part of the agreement, scholarship recipients must remain in New York and serve as nursing faculty or adjunct faculty for four years after completing their education.
Eligible applicants must enroll either full- or part-time at an approved accredited New York college and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA if they have already completed coursework in a qualifying graduate program.
Applications for the scholarship program are due by June 18.
Acting HESC President Doris B. González said expanding access to nursing faculty positions is critical to supporting both healthcare delivery and higher education statewide.
“New York State is committed to breaking down financial barriers, empowering extraordinary professionals to guide and mentor tomorrow’s nurses, and ensuring everyone has their chance at success,” González said.
State officials also tied the scholarship initiative to broader workforce development efforts included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026-27 budget, which would expand additional higher education and nursing-related scholarship programs.
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