Are you a dedicated paraprofessional within the NYC Public School system looking to take the next step in your career? The Career Training Program (CTP) offers a remarkable opportunity to earn your first Bachelor’s degree, and a Career Training Program Voucher is your key to accessing this pathway. This program is specifically designed for eligible UFT paraprofessionals, providing tuition assistance and support to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
What is the Career Training Program Voucher?
The Career Training Program voucher is a financial instrument provided by the NYC Public Schools to support eligible paraprofessionals in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. This voucher covers tuition costs for undergraduate studies at participating colleges and universities, specifically for paraprofessionals aiming to become certified teachers. The program covers 3 to 6 credits per semester, easing the financial burden of higher education and making degree attainment more accessible.
For those enrolled in five or more credit hours, the CTP also acknowledges the demands of balancing work and study by offering Release Time. Participants are eligible for two and a half (2.5) hours of release time per week, allowing dedicated study hours during their work week. Furthermore, a Summer Stipend is available to provide additional financial support for study during the summer semester. It’s important to note that while the program provides significant support, paraprofessionals are responsible for independently researching, applying, and enrolling in a participating accredited institution.
Eligibility Requirements for the CTP Voucher
To be considered for a career training program voucher through the CTP, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Full-Time Paraprofessional Status: Applicants must be employed as a full-time paraprofessional within a NYC public school.
- Payroll Status: Being actively payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional is required at the time of application and throughout the application school year.
- No Prior Bachelor’s Degree: This program is designed for paraprofessionals who are seeking their first bachelor’s degree.
- Matriculation Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate proof of mandatory matriculation into a degree-bearing program after completing 45 credits. This ensures the program supports focused degree completion.
- Exclusion of Substitute Paraprofessionals: Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible for participation in the CTP.
- Credit Limit: The Career Training Program covers up to a maximum of 120 credits towards the first bachelor’s degree. This includes any transfer credits or credits earned before program enrollment. Exceptions to this credit limit are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Minimum GPA: A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or greater is required for initial eligibility.
- Maintaining Academic Standing: Participants must maintain a minimum “C” grade point average (2.0) to remain eligible for the CTP voucher throughout their participation. Falling below this GPA will result in voucher ineligibility.
- Course Grade Requirements: The NYC Public Schools will not cover courses with failing grades (“F”), late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals. Paraprofessionals are financially responsible for these courses.
- Financial Responsibility: Paraprofessionals who become ineligible for the Career Training Program are responsible for all subsequent course credits, tuition, and associated fees.
Benefits of the Career Training Program Voucher
The Career Training Program voucher offers substantial benefits to aspiring educators:
- Tuition Coverage: The most significant benefit is the direct financial assistance with tuition fees, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for pursuing higher education.
- Release Time for Study: The provision of 2.5 hours of release time per week acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and study, providing dedicated time for academic pursuits during work hours.
- Summer Stipend Opportunity: The availability of a Summer Stipend provides additional financial support, especially beneficial for students taking courses during the summer semester.
- Career Advancement: The program directly supports career progression from paraprofessional roles to teaching positions within the NYC Public Schools.
- Access to Higher Education: The CTP voucher makes bachelor’s degree programs more accessible and attainable for dedicated paraprofessionals.
How to Apply for the Career Training Program Voucher
Applying for the Career Training Program voucher is a straightforward process, but requires attention to deadlines and required documentation. Applications are available online during specific periods for each semester:
- Fall Semester: Application window is from May 1st to June 30th.
- Spring Semester: Application window is from September 1st to October 31st.
- Summer Semester: Application window is from February 1st to March 31st.
Key Application Notes:
- Semester-Specific Application: A separate application must be submitted for each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) you wish to receive voucher support.
- Voucher Validity: Unused vouchers cannot be carried over to previous or future semesters. Each voucher is specific to the semester for which it is申请ed.
- NYCPS Email Address: Crucially, applicants must use their official NYCPS email address when applying to ensure they receive confirmation emails and their voucher. Personal email addresses are no longer accepted by the Teacher Support Network (TSN) system.
- Confirmation Email: Applicants should receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours after submitting their application. If you do not receive a confirmation, your application was not successfully submitted and needs to be re-submitted.
- Voucher Changes: To change the college or university name on your voucher, you must download and submit the “CTP Voucher – University/College Name Change Form.” Allow 48 hours for processing such requests.
For detailed step-by-step instructions on applying, it is highly recommended to review the CTP Application Guide.
Financial Aid and the CTP Voucher
It’s important to understand how financial aid interacts with the Career Training Program voucher. Financial aid options like the Federal Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant are designed to cover tuition expenses. For paraprofessionals eligible for these grants, they should apply for and utilize these resources first. The attending college or university will then bill the NYC Public Schools for the remaining tuition balance after financial aid has been applied.
Important Note on Fees: The NYCPS voucher specifically covers tuition costs. It does not cover additional fees such as activity fees, application fees, technology fees, or course materials. These costs are the responsibility of the paraprofessional.
Additional Programs for Paraprofessionals in NYC Public Schools
Beyond the Career Training Program Voucher, NYC Public Schools offer several other programs designed to support paraprofessionals in advancing their careers in education. These include:
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program
This program provides eligible paraprofessionals with up to 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements for teacher certification. This is particularly helpful as many colleges do not accept paraprofessional work experience in lieu of formal student teaching. It’s a competitive program with a limited number of leaves granted per semester (50 in Fall, 50 in Spring), and requires a separate application process with specific eligibility criteria and deadlines. Applications are prioritized based on need, especially for those who have already completed teacher education programs but lack student teaching experience. Applications must be approved before the leave of absence begins.
- Fall Application: July 1st – October 1st
- Spring Application: December 1st – March 1st (Note: Applications may close early if the cap is reached).
For comprehensive details, refer to the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program
This program offers financial reimbursement for eligible paraprofessionals enrolled in graduate education programs leading to teacher certification. The NYCPS will reimburse up to twelve (12) graduate credits at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate. Eligibility requires matriculation in a NYS-approved graduate program, completion of at least 12 graduate credits, and meeting specific experience and academic criteria. Reimbursement is for coursework directly related to initial teacher certification in classroom teaching disciplines and requires a grade of “B” or better. Applications are accepted annually from February 1st to March 31st.
For detailed information and application requirements, consult the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program
NYC Public Schools offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $400.00 to cover the costs of the New York State teacher certification application and required NYS certification examinations. This program is for paraprofessionals who have achieved NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year. Reimbursement must be requested within one year of certification, with applications accepted annually from March 1st to April 30th.
Details and application forms are available in the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview and the Paraprofessional Certification Reimbursement Application.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA)
The Lead Teacher Assistant position is an annual, enhanced role for experienced paraprofessionals holding a Bachelor’s degree and a Teacher Assistant Certificate. LTAs/BLTAs provide more diverse instructional support in classrooms under teacher supervision and receive additional compensation (up to $5,000 annually). This position serves as a career advancement step and a pathway towards a teaching career. Applications are typically accepted annually from January 1st to March 31st.
Learn more about this opportunity in the LTA/BLTA Position Posting.
Take the Next Step in Your Education Career
The Career Training Program Voucher, along with these related programs, represents a significant investment by NYC Public Schools in the professional development of its paraprofessionals. By utilizing these resources, dedicated individuals can achieve their goals of becoming certified teachers and further enriching the educational landscape of New York City. If you are an eligible paraprofessional, explore these opportunities and take the first step towards advancing your career in education. For further information or any queries, please contact [email protected] or call (718) 935-2449.
