Empire State University Receives $1M in Scholarships to Support Addiction Studies Program

(ALBANY, NY -- June 22, 2023) Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new scholarship program, which makes nearly $3 million available to individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in Addiction Studies or the education requirements for a New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports credential at Alfred State College, Stony Brook University, and Empire State University. This partnership, led by OASAS, is designed to help individuals working in OASAS, Office of Mental Health, or Department of Health Certified programs obtain either a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, Credentialed Prevention Professional credential, or bachelor's degree in addiction studies to enter or advance their careers in the addiction services profession. 

"New York State continues to work on expanding and enhancing our services to help individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction," Governor Hochul said. "This latest round of settlement funding will strengthen the addiction workforce, and support those who continue to be impacted by the opioid and overdose epidemic." 

 
$1 million was awarded to Empire State University to support scholarships for individuals who currently hold a CASAC or Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) credential to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Addiction Studies. A bachelor's degree allows CASAC and CPS workers to advance in their careers, including becoming supervisors at OASAS-certified addiction services programs. 

Individuals currently working at an OASAS, OMH, or DOH program will have priority access to the scholarships, and each agency will send out applications instructions when available. More information about the different types of addiction credentials in New York State, and the process to receive a credential and join the addiction workforce, is available on the credentialing page of the OASAS website. 

Empire State University President Dr. Lisa Vollendorf said, "Empire State University is pleased to be able to work in partnership with New York state to help address workforce needs in addiction professions. Empire State University's mission is rooted in providing educational access and strengthening communities throughout the state. This scholarship program will help us do just that in a field that is critically important to New Yorkers." 

Read the full press release from Governor Hochul.