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Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a new $50,000 scholarship at CUNY City College aimed at supporting students entering the teaching profession. The initiative honors longtime educator Evelyn Linares and comes as New York continues to face teacher shortages, particularly in underserved communities.
New York’s teacher shortage has been building for years. Now, Albany is putting new money behind a solution that starts earlier, before educators ever step into a classroom.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $50,000 scholarship within the City University of New York system, a network of public colleges across New York City that serves as a major pipeline for the city’s workforce.
Details of the initiative were first outlined in an official press release by NYC Newswire, which describes the Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship as a targeted effort to support students preparing to enter the teaching profession.
The scholarship will be housed at City College of New York and is aimed at students nearing graduation who plan to become educators.
Hochul framed the program as a direct investment in New York’s future workforce, stating, “Investing in our young educators is investing in New York’s future. I am proud that the Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship will support CUNY students pursuing teaching careers. By ensuring students have the financial resources to transition from college to the workforce, we are preparing CUNY students for successful careers right here in New York’s school system.”
The announcement was made during the SOMOS reception in Albany, underscoring the administration’s focus on education and workforce development.
The scholarship is named after Evelyn Linares, a City College alumna and founding principal who spent 50 years in education, including leading a dual-language school in Harlem.
Her legacy reflects a model of long-term commitment that is becoming harder to sustain as more educators leave the profession or choose different career paths.
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez emphasized that impact, saying, “As a teacher and later the founding principal of P.S./I.S. 210, a dual-language school in Harlem, Evelyn Linares spent half a century proving that a school is the most powerful place to change a life. This scholarship is a beautiful way to carry forward her spirit and honor the legacy of a family that has done so much for our city and state. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her steadfast support of CUNY and our students, helping us prepare a new generation of teachers at City College who will lead with the same heart and dedication Evelyn did.”
The initiative also builds on a previous scholarship at John Jay College of Criminal Justice focused on public service careers.
In many parts of New York City, the teacher shortage is already shaping daily classroom realities.
Schools in Queens, the Bronx, and Upper Manhattan have faced staffing gaps that translate into larger class sizes and fewer resources for students.
State Senator Cordell Cleare addressed that directly, saying, “I am particularly honored to celebrate the late Evelyn Linares, a great 50-year education advocate, and CUNY City College alumna and founding principal. The new $50,000 fund, housed at CUNY City College, is focused on supporting New York students entering the teaching profession. As we know, there is a shortage of public school teachers; this Legacy Scholarship can help address that shortage and reduce notoriously large class sizes. This scholarship could provide the financial backing students need to transition from college into this noble profession. It is an educational support win-win.”
For many students, the financial burden of becoming a teacher remains a key barrier.
Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman said, “Evelyn Linares spent 50 years proving that teaching is not just a profession, but a sacred calling. By establishing this scholarship at CUNY City College & presenting the scholarship during SOMOS Albany Governor Hochul is ensuring that Evelyn’s legacy continues through the next generation of educators. In Southeast Queens, we know that representation in the classroom matters; this fund removes the financial barriers for our students so they can focus on what they do best: shaping the minds of our future leaders.”
The scholarship reflects a broader shift in how New York is addressing workforce shortages.
Rather than focusing only on hiring, the state is investing earlier, helping students stay on track before they enter the profession.
Assemblymember Karines Reyes said, “This scholarship is a powerful testament to what is possible when we invest in targeted, community-centered initiatives. Representation in the classroom matters deeply — for every child who sees themselves reflected in their teacher and, through that, sparks a passion that can last for generations. The Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship removes a critical financial barrier and creates a direct pathway for our students to enter the teaching profession. I applaud Governor Hochul for honoring Evelyn Linares’ extraordinary legacy and delivering on our shared commitment to educational equity for New York’s Latino community.”
Assemblymember Jordan Wright added, “Governor Hochul’s launch of the Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship is a powerful investment in the future of education across New York. By supporting CUNY students as they step into the teaching profession, we are not only honoring the extraordinary legacy of Evelyn Linares, but also strengthening the pipeline of diverse, dedicated educators our communities depend on. I commend the Governor for continuing to prioritize affordability and ensuring our students have the resources to lead and serve in high-impact careers.”
Application details are expected to be released through CUNY, with the scholarship focused on students closest to entering the teaching workforce.
The bigger question is whether efforts like this can reverse a trend that has been years in the making.
New York is not just trying to hire more teachers. It is trying to make sure there are still people willing, and able, to become them.
What is the purpose of the scholarship?
It is designed to financially support CUNY students preparing to enter the teaching profession.
Who does it benefit most?
Students nearing graduation who may face financial barriers to becoming teachers.
Why is this important now?
New York continues to face teacher shortages, especially in underserved communities.