Worker Education at Queens College

LEAP to Teacher Program

The Murphy Institute LEAP to Teacher (LTT) program enables paraprofessionals and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) members employed with the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) to further pursue their education and advance their careers in any field of study, including teaching. The LTT program at Queens College provides a wide range of free, ongoing support services to help our participants succeed academically and to accomplish their career objectives.  To learn more about the LEAP to Teacher program at Queens College, please visit the At Queens College page.  This program is also offered at other CUNY campuses; please click here for more info.

Urban Leadership Program

The Urban Leadership program is a unique series of college courses subsidized by CWA Local 1180 for their members who are pursuing studies in labor studies, public administration, public policy, and urban affairs.  At Queens College, the union will cover fees for up to 24 credits in urban studies, urban affairs, and labor studies. Through the Urban Leadership Program, the CWA Local 1180 members will earn higher education credentials, deepen their understanding of urban programs and issues, improve their analytical skills, and expand their knowledge of government agencies, labor relations, urban planning, and legislative and budgetary process. For more information, please contact a Murphy Institute Advisor at 718-997-3060.

ACE Program

Queens College offers adults over age 25 with few transfer credits the opportunity to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s degree program. ACE participants may apply for up to 36 tuition-free, life-achievement credits based on personal or professional experience. Thereafter, these students choose majors and electives.  For more information speak to a Murphy Institute Advisor at 718-997-3060.

Union Semester

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies offers Union Semester in midtown Manhattan.  Queens College students can apply using the CUNY e-permit system.

New York Union Semester is a one-of-a-kind, full-time, semester-long program that combines rigorous academic study with first-hand labor movement experience. Students in the program are paired with unions and worker-rights organizations to expand practical skills and learn the strategies these organizations use to fight for workers’ rights. During class time, students analyze the experience they gain in the field by studying the history of and current debates within the U.S. labor movement.

As part of the program, students receive a $7,000 financial allowance to cover tuition and living expenses while working four days a week at their field placement. During the evenings and all day on Fridays, students take classes with the renowned Labor Studies faculty at the Murphy Institute. Upon completion of the program, undergraduate students earn 16 credits and graduate students earn 12 credits.

Community Semester

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies offers Community Semester in midtown Manhattan. Queens College students can apply using the CUNY e permit system.

Community Semester is a full-time, intensive, academic and service-learning program that provides students with an opportunity to put their passion for social justice to work.  Students learn first-hand how community-based organizations fight for environmental justice, housing rights, immigrant rights, tenants’ rights, economic justice, youth engagement, neighborhood resilience, civic justice, and community empowerment by contributing to the movement themselves.  Students analyze the experience they gain in the field by studying community organizing, community development, government, and non-profit leadership. As part of the program, students receive a $7,000 financial award toward educational expenses. Upon completion of the program, undergraduate students earn 16 credits and graduate students earn 12 credits.

Financial Aid Options at Queens College

To learn about the financial aid programs at Queens College, how to apply for these programs each academic year, how to avoid a variety of problems, and how to become an informed consumer, please visit the Queens College Financial Aid page.

LTT Tuition Assistance Scholarship

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies is offering tuition assistance scholarships to full-time paraprofessionals who are both continuing and new graduate students in a teacher shortage area at the LEAP to Teacher collaborating CUNY colleges: Brooklyn College, College of Staten Island, Lehman College, and Queens College. Scholarships will be awarded on a semester-by-semester basis by the SLU Scholarships Committee. Employment status, transcripts and financial aid information will be reviewed, and enrollment will be verified to ensure that recipients continue to meet scholarship eligibility requirements. Students must re-apply each semester to be considered for a scholarship for the next term, if the scholarship is still available. Click here more info.

How to utilize your union’s tuition benefit at Queens College

Some union members are eligible to use their employer education benefits. To learn more about your union’s education benefits go to Murphy’s Union Benefits page.

The Murphy Institute advisors help you apply for and process your union tuition benefits. Please contact Heysel Rodas at 718-997-3087 or Heysel.Rodas@qc.cuny.edu for all inquiries.

CSEA
CSEA members should bring their voucher to Heysel Rodas in Kissena Hall Room 227.  Voucher applications can be found on the Tuition Benefits page.

CWA 1180
To utilize your tuition-free benefit, contact Heysel Rodas for a registration form and a Community Service Agreement.

District Council 37
DC37 offers tuition assistance to their members.  The DC37 Education Fund tuition reimbursement application can be found on the DC37 Tuition Reimbursement webpage. Contact Heysel Rodas for assistance with supporting documentation.

UFT
Undergraduates should bring their voucher directly to the Bursar’s Office located in Jefferson Hall’s 2nd floor. Vouchers and fee payments are due no later than your bill’s due date. Graduate students enrolled in an education program can apply for tuition reimbursement. Information can be found on the Career Training Program page.

SEIU 1199
SEIU 1199 offers tuition assistance for students pursuing a college degree at the undergraduate or graduate level. Information, such as how to apply, can be found on the Tuition Assistance for Degree Programs page.

If you are a member of a union not listed here, contact Heysel Rodas for further union contact information. Please note that all vouchers and relevant documents must be submitted as noted no later than the tuition and fee due date.