In an effort to tackle New York’s ongoing teacher shortage, Governor Kathy Hochul introduced a brand new $50,000 scholarship at CUNY City College. This initiative, named in honor of long-serving educator Evelyn Linares, sets its sights on helping students step confidently into teaching—especially in communities that need them most.
It’s no secret that New York’s search for qualified teachers has been a struggle for years. Now, the state is injecting fresh funding into the problem, kickstarting support early in the journey—before future educators even set foot in their own classrooms.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that this $50,000 fund will exist within the City University of New York system, which is NYC’s public college network and a true workforce engine for the city.
If you want the full scoop, the initiative’s details were shared in an official press release via NYC Newswire. The new Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship takes a strategic approach—empowering those on the path to becoming teachers.
What Happened: Supporting Tomorrow’s Teachers, Today
The scholarship will be based at City College of New York and will serve students nearing graduation who are set on a teaching career.
Governor Hochul described the program as an investment in New York’s future, saying, “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 news broke at the SOMOS reception in Albany—a nod to the governor’s commitment to education and developing the next generation of workers.
Honoring Evelyn Linares and Closing the Gap
The scholarship pays tribute to Evelyn Linares, a City College graduate and education leader who spent five decades making a difference—including founding a dual-language school in Harlem.
Her dedication stands in stark contrast to today’s trends, where educator careers often don’t last as long.
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez captured this 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.”
This scholarship comes alongside a similar initiative at John Jay College of Criminal Justice that focuses on careers in public service.
Neighborhood Impact: The Shortage Hits Home
Across New York City—especially in Queens, the Bronx, and Upper Manhattan—teacher shortages are already shaping what school looks like. Bigger classes, fewer resources, and stretched staff are all too common.
As State Senator Cordell Cleare put it, “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.”
Finances remain one of the top barriers for aspiring teachers, and initiatives like this are designed to clear the path.
Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman summed it up: “Evelyn Linares spent 50 years proving that teaching is not just a profession, but a sacred calling…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.” If you’d like to learn more about the college, check out CUNY City College.
Looking Upstream: A New Approach to Workforce Gaps
Instead of waiting until teachers are already in short supply, New York is investing in the future by supporting students earlier in their journey.
Assemblymember Karines Reyes emphasized, “The Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship removes a critical financial barrier and creates a direct pathway for our students to enter the teaching profession… 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.”
Assemblymember Jordan Wright agreed, highlighting the importance of making the profession accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds.
What’s Next for the Scholarship?
Keep an eye out for application details from CUNY. The aim? Support students who are right on the brink of starting their teaching careers.
It all comes down to whether these early investments can finally turn the tide on years of teacher shortages. New York isn’t just hiring more teachers—they’re making sure there’s a fresh, prepared pipeline for years to come.
Reader Q&A
What is the scholarship for?
To help CUNY students financially as they train to become teachers.
Who benefits most?
Students close to graduation but held back by the costs of becoming a teacher.
Why does it matter now?
Because the teacher shortage remains a pressing issue in under-resourced communities—this scholarship aims to help change that.
Leave a Reply