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FAQs for Participants
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1. What is the E.P.I.C. program?
The E.P.I.C. (Education Propelling into Careers) program is an opportunity to earn a High School Equivalency diploma and 27 college credits concurrently through Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). The program will start in Fall 2025 and should be completed within four semesters with classes held in-person and online and will count towards one full workday.
2. How much does the program cost me?
As an enrolled student of MCNY, you will be required to work with the financial aid office to submit a FAFSA application for federal PELL and state TAP grants. DCAS will cover the difference in tuition, and agencies are not required to provide financial assistance. At this time, only employees at mayoral agencies are eligible to participate in the EPIC program.
3. How will the agency support me in obtaining my high school equivalency degree?
For highly motivated individuals, your agency will provide an endorsement on your application to support you in your educational journey. Additionally, the agency will allow you one full workday a week to be on campus at MCNY in lower Manhattan to attend classes. Any additional homework assignments will need to be completed on your own personal time.
4. Why should I participate in this program?
Many job opportunities become available with a high school equivalency, and even more for those with college credits! If you decide to continue your education to achieve an associate or bachelor’s degree, the additional credits may be completed at MCNY or you may transfer your credits to another educational institution.
5. Will I be provided with transportation to the MCNY campus for the in-person classes?
No, a travel stipend will not be provided to accepted EPIC participants.
6. What is the deadline to apply?
Candidates need to provide completed applications with written statement, supervisor and agency head endorsement to their agency personnel officers (or designee) by June 13, 2025.
7. What is required to be selected for the E.P.I.C. program?
Interested candidates are required to fill out the application completely with a written statement of interest, with supervisor and agency head signatures. Additionally, all candidates will be required to take the Accuplacer, a test that asks questions related to arithmetic, writing, and reading comprehension. Final determination into the program will be based on application, Accuplacer score, an individual interview, and other factors.
8. When will I graduate from the E.P.I.C. program if I start in Fall semester 2025?
Classes start in September 2025 with degrees conferred in June or December 2026, depending on your Accuplacer test score. All graduation ceremonies occur in June at the MCNY campus.
9. What if I cannot attend class?
It is important that as a student, you do your best to attend every class. In the event when you cannot, you must inform your agency’s Human Resources department, MCNY professor(s), and CC: EPICprogram@dcas.nyc.gov. Four (4) absences for the duration of the program shall serve as sufficient cause for DCAS to remove the participant from the EPIC program.