Great News! New York City is offering scholarships for city workers who want to go back to school and get degrees! Apparently, the city is a big believer in better educated employees = happier employees (with better prospects) = more productive city workers. Whatever the reason, if you qualify, (or your parents, older sister/cousin/young uncle do) you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity.

According to The New York Daily News article,

“Under the program, employees can get full or partial scholarships to 40 colleges and universities.

They offer advanced degrees in fields that include public administration, computer science, law and public health.

Competition is fierce. Last year, more than 400 people applied for about 40 slots.

Employees need to contact their agency’s personnel office by Nov. 23. The applicant must submit three essays that describe their job responsibilities, why graduate school is important and how the degree would benefit them as well as the city.

The final decisions are made by the individual colleges. Scholars are expected to continue their full-time jobs in city government.

Some of the participating colleges and universities include CUNY/Baruch, Columbia University, New York University, Pratt Institute and St. John’s University.

For information, a list of colleges and application details, check out the program’s Web site at nyc.gov/mgsp, or call (212) 669-4163.”

Have at it!