New York State Department of Health Awards $19.5 Million to Support Health Care Education Programs

Organizations Across New York State to Receive Up to $1 Million in Funding to Support Trainees in Health Care Education Programs

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 29, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health will award $19.5 million to 21 organizations across New York State to prepare and support students for the successful completion of their health care education. The Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP) awards, issued by the New York State Department of Health's Office of Healthcare Workforce Innovation, will go to various organizations throughout the state including educational institutions, hospitals and Area Health Education Centers. Each awardee will be provided with up to $1 million per year for five years.

"When students and trainees withdraw from their programs, we lose future health care workers needed to provide care in our communities," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "These awards will help eliminate barriers to a career in health care by improving program retention, bolstering the students and our health care."

Awards will help programs offer students wrap around services and support, including interventions to help students and trainees achieve their career goals. These interventions may include:

  • Academic advising, tutoring, tuition, books, fees, supplies, lab fees and similar items
  • Parking, transportation and travel costs
  • Other educational expenses such as the cost of research, conferences, presentations or publications
  • Personal support expenses, childcare, or language classes

The Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program aims to fund health care training programs that provide a holistic approach in supporting trainees on their paths to success and increase their ability to thrive in an evolving health care environment.

Awardees include:

  • Academy Charter School
  • Adirondack Community College
  • Arnot Ogden Medical Center
  • Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island Area Health Education Center
  • Carthage Area Hospital Inc.
  • Catskill Hudson Area Health Education Center
  • Central New York Area Health Education Center
  • Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center
  • LeMoyne College
  • Maria College
  • Montefiore Medical Center
  • New York Presbyterian Hospital
  • Niagara University
  • Northern Area Health Education Center
  • Pace University
  • Project Renewal Inc.
  • Rochester General Hospital
  • St. Mary's Healthcare
  • Suffolk Community College
  • University of Rochester
  • Workforce Development Board of Herkimer

More information about the Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program and New York State Department of Health's Office of Healthcare Workforce Innovation can be found here.