Big news for future teachers: Governor Kathy Hochul just unveiled a $50,000 scholarship at CUNY City College, meant to encourage more students to consider a career in teaching. Named for prominent educator Evelyn Linares, this new investment arrives as New York works to overcome teacher shortages—especially where schools need them most.
For years now, New York’s been wrestling with not having enough classroom teachers. This time, Albany is taking proactive steps, pouring money into solutions to help aspiring teachers before they graduate rather than after.
Governor Kathy Hochul introduced the $50,000 scholarship inside the City University of New York system—a vital institution that prepares thousands of New Yorkers to join the workforce each year.
An official press release published by NYC Newswire breaks down the new Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship and its mission to support students at the threshold of becoming educators.
Zooming In: Investing in CUNY’s Next Educators
This grant lives at City College of New York, with the goal of helping upper-level students who are serious about teaching make the leap into the profession.
Governor Hochul underscored the program’s value, saying that helping young teachers is an investment in the state’s own future. In her words: “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 came during the SOMOS gathering in Albany—a clear sign of the administration’s dedication to education and job development.
The Woman Behind the Scholarship: Evelyn Linares
What makes this scholarship special? It honors Evelyn Linares, a City College graduate who poured five decades into teaching and even founded a dual-language school in Harlem.
Few educators have matched her long-term commitment—a point that feels especially relevant as more teachers step out of the field each year.
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez praised the move: “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…helping us prepare a new generation of teachers at City College who will lead with the same heart and dedication Evelyn did.”
The new scholarship follows a similar approach as another CUNY award at John Jay College of Criminal Justice aimed at boosting public service careers.
The Classroom Reality: Where Lack of Teachers Hurts Most
Teacher shortages aren’t just a statistic—they affect kids every day, especially in Queens, the Bronx, and Upper Manhattan. Larger classes and less support have become more common.
State Senator Cordell Cleare put it simply: “There is a shortage of public school teachers; this Legacy Scholarship can help address that shortage and reduce notoriously large class sizes… It is an educational support win-win.”
Between tuition and living expenses, many students still find the road to teaching out of reach. This scholarship could be the boost they need.
Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman added, “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.” For more info on the school, check out CUNY City College.
A Shift in Strategy: Early Investment Pays Off
Instead of waiting until there’s a crisis, New York is funding initiatives further upstream—helping students succeed and stay on the path before they become teachers.
Assemblymember Karines Reyes called the scholarship “a powerful testament to what is possible when we invest in targeted, community-centered initiatives.” With scholarships like this, students see a clearer, more affordable route into the classroom—and diverse representation grows.
Assemblymember Jordan Wright applauded the governor’s effort to keep costs down and open doors for future teachers.
So, What’s Next?
Keep an eye on CUNY for details about how to apply. This scholarship is laser-focused on those about to finish school and start teaching.
It remains to be seen if moves like this can truly flip the script on a decade-long shortage, but the goal is clear: make it easier and more appealing to join the teaching ranks in New York.
FAQs for Readers
Why was the scholarship created?
To offer financial assistance for CUNY students preparing to go into teaching.
Who stands to gain most?
Students nearing the end of their degree who otherwise couldn’t afford the jump into a teaching job.
Why now?
With teacher shortages especially acute in underserved areas, the time for this kind of support is now.
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