FAQs

No. Students re-entering the same program, even at a different school, are still considered to have started before January 2025 and are therefore not eligible for funding.

Yes, as long as you pursue an education in an eligible title at a New York State school, and will finish all education requirements by spring 2027.

Yes, as long as you’re attending an online program at a New York State school, and will finish all education requirements by spring 2027.

Certain non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for this program, including permanent residents and other eligible non-citizens. For a full list of eligible categories, please visit the official Federal Student Aid page at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens

Yes. The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program offers you an incredible opportunity to pursue a healthcare career with fully covered tuition and books. This investment in your future also supports strengthening New York State’s healthcare workforce in areas that need skilled professionals. By signing the service commitment, you agree to use the skills and education you gain to work in New York State in the field you trained for, helping to address critical staffing needs while building a rewarding career.

Participants are expected to obtain training and education at one of the approved New York State schools. Out of state training and educational partners will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require justification as to why in-state partners cannot provide the same or similar training.

Agreeing to the service commitment is entirely your choice. However, the grant funds supporting the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program are specifically tied to this agreement. If you do not sign the service agreement, you will not be eligible to receive the fully covered tuition, education reimbursements, or other financial benefits provided by the CPT Program. If you’d like to explore this opportunity further, we’re happy to provide more information and answer any questions you might have!

Caring Gene® Career Pathway Training (CPT) funds may not be used to supplant, supplement, or duplicate any existing federal, state or local funding. Caring Gene® may not make tuition payments on behalf of a program participant until both FAFSA and TAP applications have been submitted and a determination has been made on the amount of grant funding that will be received by the program participant. CPT funding will be reduced based on those award amounts.

No. The Caring Gene® only pays tuition once a student has been officially accepted into one of the eligible programs. Prerequisites courses are required prior to official acceptance and therefore not eligible for funding.

If a school listed on our website has that “Partner” label, it means the Caring Gene® has an established relationship with that school. We’ve created a system for getting participants enrolled and processing payment, which typically means they can start their education fairly quickly. If you’re interested in a school that’s not currently a partner, let us know and we can explore the possibility of working with that school, though please know the process may take some time.

No. Tuition provided by the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program is a qualified scholarship excluded from taxable income.

No, you may change employers as long as all employers during the three-year commitment period are located in New York State and 30% of their patient population receives Medicaid.

A Caring Gene® case manager will be assigned to you when you submit an interest form.  The case manager will help you:

• Determine the right program for you
• Provide resources to complete the FASFA and other applications
• Work through the language of the participant agreement you will sign
• Identify any non-educational challenges you may have and help link you to resources in the community that can help
• Provide educational resources in the form of tutoring, coaching mentoring and other areas you may need assistance in to be successful
• Connect you to resources to prep for any licensure exams once you have graduated.
• Help you get ready to launch your career by providing resume writing and interview prep
• Provide resources to get you ready to work in a provider environment.
• Help you secure a job in your title.

The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program will contract directly with educational and training institutions for tuition and required program fee payments. Caring Gene® will also directly reimburse program partners for costs associated with educational case management and academic support for participants. The Caring Gene® Program is expressly prohibited from reimbursing participants directly.

The Caring Gene® Career Pathway Training program will NOT reimburse participants directly or pay for room, board, meals, or other incidental expenses.  However, Caring Gene® can connect you to public or other benefits to support participants in completing the training and education programs, including:

• Public programs, including referrals to appropriate agencies to support applications for programs including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Transportation.
• Financial Coaching.
• Childcare support, including the childcare subsidies offered through Office of Children and Family Services.
• Connection to mental health support, such as programs supporting stress management and coping mechanisms to avoid burnout.

Under limited circumstances, a break in service commitment may be granted. Breaks up to 12 weeks duration could be permissible, without impact to the service commitment, under the following circumstances:

• Caring for your own serious health condition, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth.
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth.
• Maternity/paternity leave.
• Time to bond with a new child.
• Active-duty military.
• Managing affairs while a family member is on active duty.

To successfully fulfill their commitment to the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program, participants must complete 36 months of service within a 48-month period. This service must be performed under the new professional title earned through the CPT Program. Community Health Workers and Patient Care Managers must begin in their respective titles but may be promoted if they stay with a qualified employer.

Yes, as long as you will still complete the entire three-year service commitment and work at a New York State provider who serves a 30% Medicaid/uninsured population.

Failure to successfully complete academic/training requirements, licensure, or work commitments except in extraordinary circumstances as determined by New York State (such as disability or death) is a breach of contract. Participants will be required to pay back funds for costs associated with their education. If you find yourself unable to fulfill the service commitment, please reach out to us as soon as possible. We’re here to guide you through the process and discuss potential options or solutions based on your situation.