NYC Men Heal Scholarship 2026: Financial Support, Mentorship, and Career Development for Future Behavioral Health Professionals in New York City

The NYC Men Heal Scholarship 2026 is now accepting applications from graduate students pursuing careers in behavioral health. This exciting initiative provides financial assistance, academic support, professional development, mentorship, networking opportunities, and career preparation for aspiring mental health professionals studying in New York City.

Jointly developed by the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) under the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice (MOERJ), the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health (OCMH), the Human Resources Administration (HRA), with additional support from the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYCO), NYC Men Heal aims to strengthen New York City’s behavioral health workforce while supporting students throughout their graduate education.

The application deadline is August 10, 2026.

About the NYC Men Heal Program

Behavioral health professionals continue to play a vital role in improving mental health services and supporting communities across New York City. NYC Men Heal was created to increase the number of qualified professionals entering the behavioral health workforce while helping graduate students overcome financial, academic, and professional barriers.

The Fall 2026 pilot cohort will support approximately 20 to 25 scholars through a comprehensive development program designed to prepare participants for long-term careers in behavioral health.

The initiative combines:

• Financial support
• Academic assistance
• Professional mentoring
• Career coaching
• Networking opportunities
• Licensure preparation
• Leadership development
• Workforce pathways

Rather than simply offering funding, the program invests in the long-term success of participants by connecting them with experienced professionals and employment opportunities after graduation.

Program Partners

NYC Men Heal is a collaborative initiative involving several New York City agencies and organizations, including:

• NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI)
• Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice (MOERJ)
• Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health (OCMH)
• Human Resources Administration (HRA)
• Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYCO)

The program also works closely with the Career Pathways Training (CPT) initiative administered by the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF).

Priority Consideration

Priority admission will be given to applicants currently enrolled in the Career Pathways Training (CPT) program.

However, students who are not enrolled in CPT are still encouraged to apply and may be admitted depending on available program capacity.

Benefits of the NYC Men Heal Scholarship

Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive package of academic and professional support that includes:

1. Financial Assistance

Participants receive financial support to help reduce educational expenses while completing graduate studies.

2. Academic Support

Students receive guidance and resources that promote academic success throughout their graduate education.

3. Mentorship

Participants are matched with professionals who can provide career guidance, encouragement, and practical advice.

4. Career Coaching

The program prepares scholars for successful careers in behavioral health through career planning, interview preparation, resume development, and professional growth opportunities.

5. Networking Opportunities

Scholars gain access to valuable professional networks within New York City’s behavioral health community.

6. Licensure Preparation

Participants receive support that helps them prepare for professional licensing requirements.

7. Professional Skill Development

The initiative offers culturally grounded programming and practical skills training that strengthen participants’ readiness for employment.

8. Employment Pathways

One of the program’s primary objectives is helping graduates transition into long-term careers within the behavioral health workforce.

Eligible Degree Programs

Applicants must currently be pursuing one of the following graduate degrees:

• Social Work
• Mental Health Counseling

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be currently enrolled in a graduate program at an eligible college or university located in New York City.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Be pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in the behavioral health field after graduation.
• Submit a complete application before the deadline.

Participating Universities

Applicants may currently be enrolled at institutions such as:

• Adelphi University
• Alfred State College
• Binghamton University
• College of Staten Island
• Columbia University
• Fordham University
• Hunter College
• Lehman College
• Long Island University
• Mercy College
• New York University
• Touro College
• Yeshiva University

Students attending other eligible graduate institutions in New York City may also apply.

Information Required During Application

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Full name
• School email
• Personal email
• Race and ethnicity (optional demographic information)
• Gender identity
• Confirmation of age
• CPT enrollment status
• University information
• Expected graduation year
• Current GPA
• Graduate degree program
• Preferred support services
• Career goals after graduation

Program Commitment

Applicants must affirm their intention to pursue employment in the behavioral health field after completing their graduate education.

This commitment reflects the initiative’s goal of expanding New York City’s behavioral health workforce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NYC Men Heal welcomes applications from all eligible students.

The initiative does not discriminate on the basis of:

• Race
• Gender
• National origin
• Or any other characteristic protected by law

The program is committed to providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than August 10, 2026.

Late submissions may not be considered.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official NYC Men Heal online application form before the deadline.

Applicants should ensure that all required information is completed accurately and that they clearly describe their career goals and interest in working within the behavioral health profession.

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