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Whether you’re just starting fresh or looking to advance your career, the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training program offers full coverage for tuition and more to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who are New York State residents.

Eligibility Requirements

We will help you feel prepared and confident every step of the way. Before you apply, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for this program. Only students who qualify can move forward with the application process. Not sure if you qualify? The easiest way to find out is by submitting the interest form below.

Please note: You must complete your application, meet with a case manager, and submit your final signed participant agreement at least three weeks before your academic program begins. If you qualify for funding but miss this deadline, the Caring Gene® will cover costs beginning the following semester.

Residency

Students must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and New York State resident, OR a resident of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Vermont employed by a NYS healthcare provider.

Education

Students must pursue an education program in one of the 13 healthcare, behavioral health, or social care titles approved by the Caring Gene® Program. Students must be starting a new program to qualify for funding. Caring Gene® cannot provide funds for an educational program already in progress or previously started.

Commitment

Students are required to complete a three-year service commitment working for a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured.

Timeline

Students must complete their education/training by spring 2027. The required service commitment must be complete by 2031. Students who began their program before January 2025 are not eligible for funding. Please note: Students re-entering the same program, even at a different institution, are still considered to have started before January 2025 and are not eligible.

FAFSA

Students should be ready to complete the FAFSA and/or TAP if required by your school for acceptance into your education/training program. This is not mandatory before applying to the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program, but it does speed up the application process.

Important

We accept applications from students with a home address in the following counties: Albany, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Warren, Washington

Don’t see your county listed? Click here.

EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT?

Great! Simply fill out the interest form to get started. After that, keep an eye on your email because we will send you a link to complete the full application.

Once you submit the application, a case manager will reach out within five to seven business days to guide you through the next steps.

Heads up: If you don’t see the email from Caring Gene® within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder—it might be hiding in there!