NYC Council Announces CUNY Social Work Fellows Program to Address Mental Health Care Workforce Shortage

Pilot program, modeled after NYC Teaching Fellows, provides scholarships to nearly 100 aspiring social workers across CUNY schools to strengthen pipeline of workers needed to confront mental health crisis

Funding for the program was doubled in FY26 budget

City Hall, NY - In response to the growing mental health crisis in New York City and the workforce shortage limiting access to care, Speaker Adrienne Adams launched a new CUNY Social Work Fellows program to bolster the highly in-demand workforce. Established with Council funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 city budget and doubled in the FY 26 budget, the pilot initiative provides scholarships to nearly 100 students pursuing a master's degree in social work at various CUNY schools. The program aims to reduce financial barriers for students entering the social work field and to strengthen the pipeline of behavioral health professionals.

New York City, like the rest of the country, is experiencing a worsening mental health crisis, fueled by a lack of capacity in treatment programs for many in need. In the U.S., fewer than half of people with a mental illness have access to timely care, and those with substance use disorders were even less likely to receive treatment. In the City, the severe workforce shortage of behavioral health professionals is contributing to these gaps in access. It has led to widespread vacant positions, high burnout rates, and a stagnant pipeline for mental health workers - all while the need for mental healthcare is growing.

Modeled after the NYC Teaching Fellows and funded through $1 million in Council discretionary funding in FY 25 and $2 million in FY26, the initiative stems from the Council's Mental Health Roadmap. The Social Work Fellows program is currently supporting 95 students pursuing their Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees at CUNY institutions, including Hunter College, College of Staten Island, Lehman College, and York College. An additional 39 students received assistance with licensing exam fees and test preparation. To qualify, students must be employed by a city public agency or non-profit organization serving the public sector. After graduation, recipients are encouraged to work within the City and serve high-need areas through non-profits or city and state agencies.

"As New York City faces a growing mental health crisis, it is imperative that we ensure a strong pipeline of workers to help provide the necessary care and treatment to New Yorkers," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "A strong behavioral health workforce requires acknowledging the difficult work required of these jobs and breaking down the financial barriers that prevent talented and passionate people from pursuing them. By establishing this Social Work Fellows program, the Council is building a sustainable pipeline for a diverse and qualified mental health care workforce that reflects the communities it serves. This initiative will help confront a severe workforce shortage and advancing an important solution that can be scaled up with deeper investments."

Demand for behavioral health workers in the City is projected to grow by more than 25% over the next 5 years. Despite their critical role, social workers often enter the workforce with significant education-related debt and low pay, as most jobs typically offer salaries under $70,000 a year. As a result of this financial burden, and the severe strain of public service-focused mental health jobs, fewer people are pursuing entrance to the profession. The fellowship program seeks to reverse this trend by investing in aspiring social workers, most of whom are women and people of color, to ensure more New Yorkers can access mental health care and improve health outcomes.

"CUNY is committed to helping address the shortage of social workers specializing in provision of mental health services, which is a pressing need in New York and nationwide," said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. "We are grateful to the New York City Council for funding the CUNY Social Work Fellows program, a much-needed workforce initiative that provides scholarships for nearly 100 students to pursue master's degrees and licensure at four CUNY colleges. The program helps build on CUNY's wide-ranging contributions to health-care services in the city and expand opportunities for our students to pursue careers in high-demand fields."

"Families across the city continue to struggle with the impacts of the mental health crisis, made worse by a severe shortage in the mental health workforce," said Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction. "As a social worker, I've seen how decades of disinvestment in our mental health system have created serious gaps in care. Low salaries, burnout, and high turnover have discouraged many from entering the field. I'm grateful for the launch of the new CUNY Social Work Fellows Program, which will help strengthen our workforce and ensure New Yorkers receive the high-quality care they deserve. Thank you to Speaker Adams for her leadership and commitment to improving mental health services in our city."

"Just as the NYC Teaching Fellows program gave me the opportunity to become a public school special education teacher here in our city, the NYC Council's CUNY Social Work Fellows Program will create a similar path for New Yorkers to provide our neighbors with the care and support we deserve," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education. "This bold initiative will help us confront the mental health crisis while preparing the next generation of social workers. As a CUNY graduate, a former teacher, and Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I know the potential we unlock when students are supported to succeed and reinvest in our communities. This program is exactly how we should use our budget: investing in our city, reinvesting in our communities, and uplifting our neighbors."

"The Silberman School of Social Work of Hunter College is so honored to have received such a generous fellowship grant from the NY City Council," said Robyn Brown-Manning, PhD, M.Phil, LMSW, Doctoral Lecturer Director, MSW Program. "The funds are supporting 43 of our advanced-year MSW students in completing their social work degrees and licenses and journeying on to serve the citizens of our city who are impacted by mental health issues. Even with the comparatively low tuition costs of CUNY, many of our students still struggle to manage, given the high cost of living. This fellowship is helping them to pursue a career that is not always financially lucrative but that brings compassion, advocacy work, and resources to so many. Silberman thanks the NY City Council for its vision and support in creating this initiative."

"We are honored and sincerely thankful for the New York City Council's support in providing the Social Work Fellows Scholarship, a generous investment that supports the academic aspirations of our graduating social work scholars," said Dr. Selena T. Rodgers, Professor, Social Work and Chairperson, Department of Social Work and Program Chief Administrator and Founding Director, MSW Program at CUNY York College. "The funding provides vital support for York College's MSW scholars who will play a vital role in addressing the healthcare and wellness needs of our communities, across New York City and beyond."

"As the eldest daughter in a South Asian family, I carried a lot of emotional and financial responsibility," said Nisali Silva, MSW Scholar, College of Staten Island. "Working full-time while in school and choosing not to take out loans made things challenging. When the scholarship came through, it felt like a weight was lifted. It was a powerful reminder that my efforts were seen and valued. It gave me the space to breathe, to focus on my clinical work, and to learn how to care for myself while still showing up for others. I'm deeply grateful, and I hope to pay it forward by continuing to serve communities with empathy and resilience."

"Receiving this scholarship has made a world of difference to me," said Carmela Miller, MSW Scholar, Hunter College. "By alleviating the financial burden of student loans, I am better able and prepared to fully commit myself to my career as a social worker and dedicate myself to my clients."

"As a first-generation immigrant student, this fellowship has allowed me to focus on my academic journey without the constant stress of financial hardship," said Isaac Salazar Damian MSW Scholar, Hunter College. "It's empowering to know that, upon graduation, I'll be able to give back by serving New York City's Spanish-speaking community, a population too often marginalized and overlooked. This fellowship has made me feel seen, represented, and truly valued for the work I do."

"I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity granted to me, which enables me to concentrate on my academic pursuits and achieve success in my coursework," said Natalie Burke, MSW Scholar, York College. "Your financial support significantly alleviates the pressures associated with being a graduate student in one of the costliest cities in the world. Thank you!"

"I am a 2025 CUNY York College MSW social work scholar who in this last year have juggled a full time job, 21 hours of weekly internship, 5 classes and parenting," said Kendra O Hardy, MSW Scholar, York College. "I am proud to be a part of a program that would provide an opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I commend the Speaker for this considerate scholarship as it reflects the awareness of the vital role social workers play in ensuring New Yorkers receive needed services, especially mental health services. Such awards are essential as graduate students are not offered many awards to obtain the degree. It alleviated my immediate transportation expenses that came up at the time since having a reliable car is vital to commute to class, work and internship. Receiving this award has eased the financial burden of this expense, which would have been a financial hardship for me without it. I thank you for this invaluable contribution that assisted me in my academic pursuits. I will use this knowledge gained to continue to support New Yorkers. Also, for aiding in my career advancement."

"With your contribution, I have been able to pay off outstanding bills, clear back pay for childcare, and address several important financial obligations that have been weighing on me," said Lisa Beckford, MSW Scholar, York College. "Your assistance has alleviated a tremendous amount of stress and has provided me with the opportunity to focus on my personal and professional growth without the constant worry of financial instability. Beyond just the immediate relief, your donation has given me the breathing room to plan for a brighter future. I now feel more empowered to continue working toward my goals and investing in the well-being of my family."

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