The ACS Workforce Institute Professional Development Program is thrilled to provide financial support and continuous professional development opportunities to ACS employees who are committed to working in New York City’s child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care and education services. The program provides these services:
- Undergraduate and graduate-level scholarships to ACS staff enrolled in accredited partner colleges and universities.
- Support with negotiating agency-approved release time for graduate-level students to attend class.
- Assistance with Practicum/Internships for employees pursuing their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
The ACS Scholarship Program consists of two scholarships: the Dr. James R. Dumpson Scholarship for graduate-level studies and the Nicholas Scoppetta Scholarship for undergraduate-level studies.
Dr. James R. Dumpson, an esteemed African American advocate for social welfare policy, exemplified the values of ACS through his unwavering dedication to social welfare. Graduate degrees eligible for the program include Master of Social Work (MSW), Master’s in Youth Studies, Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy, Master of Urban Policy Analysis and Management, or an equivalent degree approved by ACS.
Nicholas Scoppetta, the inaugural Commissioner of ACS, implemented extensive reforms to the city’s Child Welfare System. Undergraduate degrees eligible for the program include social work, psychology, youth studies, public policy, or an equivalent field recognized by ACS.
How We Support You
In addition to our services, we also offer the following support to ACS employees:
- Assistance with applying to colleges and universities.
- A dedicated team member to provide consultation on professional development.
- Individual and group coaching and support throughout the education journey.
- Monthly enrichment seminars to enhance leadership skills.
- Capstone support and advisement.
- Networking opportunities.
How Do I Apply To The Program?
Participants in the ACS Professional Development Program are highly motivated individuals that meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Two years of employment with a permanent civil service or non-competitive title.
- Accepted for admission, or are currently matriculated at, an accredited, degree-bearing, approved bachelor’s or master’s-level program.
- In good academic standing if already enrolled.
- A current overall performance evaluation rating of at least Very Good.
- A favorable recommendation by their immediate supervisor and a borough director (if applicable), or a Deputy Commissioner.
- A commitment to continue employment with ACS for up to two years post-graduation.
To ensure you are eligible to apply to the program, please email dppm.acs.pdp@acs.nyc.gov.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be invited, via email, to apply to the program. Applicants must complete and submit the following documents through the online application form:
- ACS PDP Agreement (Contract)
- Letter of acceptance from college/university
- Updated resume
- Personal Statement
- ACS Informational Release Form (Waiver)
- Current employee performance evaluation (for the previous 12-month period and completed through ePerformance)
Selected applicants will be notified via email by the ACS Workforce Institute Professional Development Program.
Connect With Us
The ACS Workforce Institute Professional Development Program facilitates monthly information sessions for ACS employees interested in applying to the ACS Professional Development program. To learn more about our information sessions or the program, please email dppm.acs.pdp@acs.nyc.gov.