NEW YORK - Today, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) announced a major expansion of the EPIC @ MCNY program for municipal employees. Initially launched as an innovative pilot program for DCAS staff, the program will now be open to participants across all city agencies, allowing them to earn their high school equivalency and 27 college credits over the course of four semesters. Following its successful launch earlier this year, DCAS is expanding this groundbreaking initiative to provide professional development opportunities for all city employees.

“I am incredibly proud that DCAS is leading the expansion of this transformative program, providing all municipal employees with the opportunity to further their educational journeys and accelerate their career growth,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “We are removing barriers and demonstrating that city workers do not have to choose between work or education—they can pursue both without limitations. By making initiatives like the EPIC @ MCNY program widely accessible, we are paving the way for new opportunities and ensuring our workforce remains resilient and on the path toward economic mobility.”

“At Metropolitan College of New York, we believe education is not just a path—it’s a promise. EPIC @ MCNY reflects our mission to bring Purpose-Centered Education to those who serve our city,” said Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, President of Metropolitan College of New York, “Thousands of MCNY alumni already lead and work within New York City’s agencies, and we are honored to take this initiative to the next level. Our partnership with Commissioner Molina and DCAS has shown that commitment can bring great things to our city. By expanding this program to all municipal employees, we are investing in the brilliance and potential that already exists. This is what true equity in action looks like.”

The program spans four semesters and offers both in-person and online classes, with the sessions taking place at MCNY’s lower Manhattan campus. Participants will be granted one full workday per week to attend classes, which will count as a regular workday fully supported by DCAS. The fall semester will begin in September 2025, with students expected to graduate in either June 2026 or June 2027, based on their individual performance.

Graduates who complete the program will earn 27 transferable college credits, which can be applied toward an associate or bachelor's degree at MCNY or other educational institutions. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025, for enrollment in the fall.

The expansion of the EPIC program is the latest in DCAS’ extensive efforts to help the City's workforce grow and learn. From the expansion of the EPIC program, to the dozens of fellowship and internship programs offered by the City of New York, to DCAS' partnership with Municipal Credit Union to promote civil service careers with test reimbursement for New Yorkers, all of these efforts build on the Adams Administration’s efforts to expand municipal work to more New Yorkers than ever before. In November 2024, DCAS announced the latest bridge exam for public safety, a first-of-its-kind civil service exam series that allows candidates to qualify for multiple critical public safety positions with a single exam, representing a major effort to streamline hiring processes and reduce barriers to economic opportunities.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.
• Managing 55 public buildings.
• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.
• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.
• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.
• Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas and by following us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

About Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) and MCNY Pathways To Careers (PTC)

For 60 years, Metropolitan College of New York has been a leader in offering highly motivated adult learners an education that combines applied skills with professional knowledge, fostering personal transformation and positive change in workplaces and communities. MCNY is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Recognized as both a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), MCNY is dedicated to serving a significant percentage of students of color, particularly from underserved communities.

Founded in 1964 by Audrey Cohen, an educational visionary and activist, MCNY’s mission has remained steadfast, emphasizing Purpose-Centered Education to empower students to achieve their educational and professional goals.

In 2022, MCNY announced the approval of its Pathways to Careers (PTC) Certificate program by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Building on the success of the 2021 pilot initiative, Pathways to Success — partially funded by the New York City Council — the PTC program offers students aged 19 and over the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma, 27 transferable college credits and access financial aid along with wraparound support services to help ensure their success. Designed as a one-year program, it empowers participants to advance their academic and professional goals, seamlessly transitioning into MCNY’s associate and bachelor’s degree programs or other higher education opportunities. Learn more at www.mcny.edu/pathwaystocareers.

MCNY Locations:
Manhattan Campus: 60 West Street, New York, NY 10006
Bronx Campus: 463 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455

For more information, visit mcny.edu or call 212-343-1234.

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