The Administration for Children’s Services is committed to providing professional development support to all interested ACS employees. We demonstrate our commitment to education by supporting staff who are interested in pursuing their undergraduate or graduate level studies at accredited colleges and universities while maintaining their employment.
The Professional Development Program (PDP) provides all levels of support to ACS employees who are considering or actively pursuing undergraduate or graduate level studies.
PDP educational support services available to eligible employees include:
- Individual and group coaching and support throughout your educational journey;
- Assistance with applying to colleges and universities;
- Negotiation of agency approved release time for graduate level students to attend classes;
- Assistance with Field Placement/Internships for employees pursuing their MSW degree;
- Capstone support and advisement.
PDP administers the ACS Scholarship Program comprised of the Dr. James R. Dumpson Scholarship for graduate level studies and the Nicholas Scoppetta Scholarship for undergraduate level studies. We also support the continued professional development of licensed social workers at ACS and provider agencies.
Eligible graduate programs include: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy, Master of Urban Policy Analysis and Management; or an approved equivalent.
For additional information, please contact the Professional Development Team:
Nancy Espinet, Deputy Director of the Professional Development Program: [email protected]
Aisha Dixon, Deputy Director of CE and Scholarship Programs: [email protected]
Alexis Howard, Deputy Director: [email protected]
Norma Urigüen, Director of the Professional Development Program: [email protected]
Orlando Hawkins, CUNY Program Associate: [email protected]