Sen. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship application window opens

ALBANY | The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has announced that the 2026-27 application opened for the Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship. This program provides critical financial assistance to registered nurses seeking to advance their education and become nursing faculty, helping ensure the state can effectively train the next generation of healthcare professionals. The McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program provides up to $20,000 per year or the average cost of attendance for a graduate program at a state-operated SUNY, whichever is less. The scholarship highlights the critical need for qualified nursing instructors in both clinical and academic settings. By removing financial barriers for those seeking advanced degrees, New York State aims to increase enrollment capacity at nursing schools. Last year, the program awarded $2.1 million to over 100 nurses looking to transition their career to become nursing or adjunct clinical faculty. As part of the scholarship agreement, recipients are required to live in New York State and serve as nursing faculty or adjunct faculty for four years. To be eligible for the McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program, applicants must also: Enroll full-time or part-time at an approved, accredited college in NYS in a master's or doctoral level program in nursing or related program. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher if the applicant has already completed a semester in a graduate program that will qualify them as nursing faculty or adjunct clinical faculty. Eligible applicants have until June 18 to apply. Doris B. González, Acting President of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation said, "Expanding the pipeline of qualified nursing faculty is vital to have access to the best healthcare and a robust education system to support the future. 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." State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "The Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship and proposed expansion of SUNY Reconnect reinforces Governor Hochul's commitment to supporting future healthcare educators and the next generation of nurses. These initiatives remove barriers to higher education and equip the healthcare workforce with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive, thus meeting needs of communities across the state." The Governor's 2026-27 Executive Budget allocates an additional $12.5 million to expand the Opportunity Promise Scholarship program, including extending eligibility to students with prior undergraduate degrees who choose to pursue a nursing degree and broadening the list of qualified fields of study, offering students more career options while addressing workforce shortages in critical areas. For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply for the Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program and other New York State financial aid programs, visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.

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Sen. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship application window opens

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