SUNY students invited to apply for Empire State Service Corps as New York invests $2.75 million to expand community service opportunities statewide

New York – Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has announced the commencement of the application process for the Empire State Service Corps Program’s 2025-26 cycle. This marks the second year of the initiative, aiming to provide 500 paid internships to students across the State University of New York (SUNY) system, following an overwhelming response in its inaugural year with over 2,000 applications submitted.

The Empire State Service Corps Program offers SUNY students a platform to engage in community service while earning compensation, aligning with Governor Hochul’s priority to expand civic engagement opportunities outlined in her 2024 State of the State address. Students who join the program commit to dedicating at least 300 hours to service-related activities and gain experience in various sectors by working with local communities, non-profit organizations, and educational centers.

“The Empire State Service Corps is providing SUNY students with invaluable opportunities to serve their communities, gain hands-on experience, and build a foundation for future success,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding civic engagement across New York, we are empowering the next generation of leaders to make a meaningful impact. I encourage all eligible students to apply and be part of this transformative program.”

The initiative covers a wide range of service areas including civic engagement, early childhood education, financial aid assistance, food security, K-12 education support, peer mental health education, student success coaching, sustainability projects, and veterans affairs outreach. Each of these categories addresses critical needs within the community while providing the students with valuable professional exposure.

In the previous cycle, the program celebrated its first cohort at the Empire State Service Corps Service & Civics Summit, an event that brought together nearly 300 service members along with faculty and staff from over 40 SUNY campuses. The summit featured various activities and workshops aimed at enhancing the participants’ service experience and included prominent public leaders like Congressman John Mannion and New York State Senators Rachel May and Chris Ryan.

The continuation of the Empire State Service Corps is supported by a $2.75 million allocation from the FY25 Enacted Budget, reflecting the state’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of civic leaders. Applications for the program are now open, with an April 18 priority deadline, inviting students to apply for a chance to make an impact while developing their professional skills.

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, with a vast array of academic programs and research initiatives. Serving approximately 1.4 million students, SUNY plays a pivotal role in the educational landscape of New York, offering not only traditional academic courses but also continuing education and community outreach programs. Its extensive network includes everything from medical and law schools to unique institutions like a maritime college and the state’s only college of optometry. With a strong focus on academic research, SUNY holds a significant position in the state’s educational and economic development.

SUNY students are encouraged to apply here before the April 18 priority deadline.