NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) have announced the opening of applications for the 2024 Civil Service Pathways Fellowship program (CSPF). Now in its fifth year, the program connects recent CUNY graduates with municipal job opportunities. Administered by DCAS, this two-year fellowship aims to create a pipeline from college to careers in civil service.

"Strengthening the pipeline to municipal jobs for underrepresented communities who traditionally lack access has always been a priority for this Council," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "We’re proud to support the continued growth of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship program, and we encourage all eligible CUNY graduates to apply by the July 12th deadline."

"The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship program has provided an accessible on-ramp for CUNY graduates to begin building rewarding careers in civil service," stated CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. "CUNY is pleased to partner with DCAS to connect more graduates with well-paying municipal jobs and advance Mayor Adams’ efforts to make the city’s workforce fully reflective of New York’s rich talent and diversity."

DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock emphasized the importance of expanding the program: "We are beyond excited to grow the program this year with three new career tracks, broadening the scope of the fellowship. Through these new opportunities, we are ensuring that more talented individuals can contribute to the vital work of our municipal agencies and support the continued growth and success of New York City."

DCAS Executive Deputy Commissioner for Citywide Operations Beatrice Thuo highlighted collaboration: "By collaborating with CUNY, we are providing recent graduates with valuable career opportunities in competitive fields and creating an ecosystem of excellence."

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, chair of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor, stressed prioritizing public service opportunities: "As we look to increase capacity at our city agencies and diversify our workforce, we must prioritize opportunities in public service for our city’s graduate population through the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship (CSPF) program."

Council Member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the Higher Education Committee, added: "The program creates a direct course for CUNY graduates to pursue careers in civil service while providing them with comprehensive municipal work experience within a diverse array of career track offerings."

Participants receive full-time employment in high-demand jobs along with competitive salaries and benefits. This year, two new tracks—project management and architecture and engineering—have been added, bringing the total number of professional career tracks available through CSPF to six.

Since its inception in 2019 with an initial cohort of 19 fellows, CSPF has grown significantly. In 2023 alone, 79 fellows participated across 25 City agencies including FDNY, DOT, and NYCPS. To date, 36 fellows have received offers for permanent municipal employment.

The application deadline is Friday, July 12, 2024. The fellowship aligns with Mayor Adams' broader initiatives such as “Run This Town,” a $1 million advertising campaign launched in April aimed at engaging diverse New Yorkers for city government jobs.

DCAS continues its mission guided by equity, effectiveness, and sustainability principles while supporting City agencies' success.

For more information about DCAS or CUNY's programs and achievements—including their role as a transformative engine of social mobility—visit their respective websites.

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