Health & Human Services

Health Professions Scholars Program is a scholarship and career development initiative funded by the New York City Department of Small Business Services to support 65 exemplary CUNY students pursuing degrees and jobs in the health sector. The project aims to address workforce shortage areas and growth industries in healthcare. The first scholarships were awarded in fall 2009 to students in their first year of clinicals in nursing at NYC College of Technology, Queensborough Community College or Kingsborough Community College, their first year of clinicals in radiologic technology at NYC College of Technology, or upper division classes in medical technology at the College of Staten Island. 

Research suggests that tuition support may impact retention rates for college students, and that the type and amount of aid is important.  For example, a study published in The Journal of Higher Education revealed that not only did increasing amounts of Pell Grant aid increase retention rates, but also narrowed dropout gaps between minority students and white students (Chen and DesJardins, 2010).  Studies like this demonstrate the importance of promoting educational opportunities through effective use of grant-based aid.  The Health Professions Scholars program boasted a 98.5% retention rate for students after one year, and 45 students graduated by summer 2011.

The Office of the University Dean for Health and Human Services is committed to supporting CUNY students as they complete their education and to addressing the growing health care needs of New Yorkers.  For information about the Kennedy Fellows Program, another scholarship program administered by the Office, click here. The Kennedy Fellows Program was featured in the Fall 2011 issue of CUNY's Salute to Scholars <pdf> magazine.

The Assistant Patient Navigator program is a workforce opportunity for CUNY students majoring in health and human services fields.  This paid, part-time program allows students to gain hands-on experience in a HHC hospital as they work with patients and other health professionals to make the colonoscopy screening process smoother and more accessible.  Twelve Navigator Interns pioneered this program in spring 2011 and represent  Queensborough CC, Kingsborough CC, College of Staten Island, NYC College of Technology and Hostos CC.   A new cohort began the program in fall 2011.