NEW YORK — Today the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei announced an expansion of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship (CSFP), doubling the capacity of the program from 200 to 400 fellows. In tandem with the fellow expansion, the program will also offer two cohorts annually, one in January and one in July. Previously offering six career tracks, the tenth fellowship cohort will now also offer a seventh career track, with the new addition of the Customer Service and Community Engagement track.

“The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship allows us to invest in emerging talent, strengthening both our workforce and the services New Yorkers rely on every day,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “With this expansion, we are creating even more opportunities for talented CUNY graduates to serve their city while building rewarding careers.”

“CUNY is proud to partner with DCAS to open doors to rewarding public service careers for our graduates,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “By doubling the capacity of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship, twice as many talented CUNY alumni will now put their education to work for New Yorkers, gaining invaluable experience while building lasting careers in city government. This program’s stellar track record of transitioning fellows into permanent roles shows what is possible when we create clear pathways from college to career.”

Administered by DCAS in partnership with CUNY, the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship is a two-year program designed to create a direct pathway from college to city government career. Fellows are placed in high-demand positions across city agencies while receiving professional development, mentorship, and specialized training that prepares them to compete for permanent municipal positions.

Participants are placed in one of seven career tracks, including:

• Policy and Program Analysis
• Procurement and Finance
• Information Technology and Data Analysis
• Creative Services and Digital Media
• Project Management
• Architecture and Engineering
• Customer Service and Community Engagement (new for 2026)

Since its launch in 2019, CSPF has continued to grow in both size and impact. To date, 414 fellows have participated in the program, including 234 active fellows. Over 75% of fellows that have completed the program, have successfully transitioned into full-time city employment. The program’s most recent cohort received some of the highest traction, with 1,277 applications received and 91 requests from city agencies for fellows.

Agencies and elected officials that currently employ the most Civil Service Pathway Fellows include the Department of Transportation with 41 active fellows; DCAS with 34 active fellows; New York City Public Schools with 37 active fellows; the Administration for Children’s Services with 17 active fellows; the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with 19 active fellows; and the Office of the Comptroller with 13 active fellows.

"The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship has helped connect NYC DOT with talented students who have blossomed into passionate public servants," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "These are the workers who help keep New York City running and deliver excellence for New Yorkers each day. We're thrilled to see the Mamdani administration expanding this program and strengthening the development of dedicated civil servants in city government."

“Strong public health depends on talented, committed people who can connect New Yorkers with the information and resources they need to live healthier lives,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship helps bring that talent into public service while giving early-career public health professionals an opportunity to build meaningful careers in city government. The Health Department has benefited tremendously from the numerous fellows who have begun their city careers with our agency, and we are proud to continue this partnership and welcome even more talented New Yorkers into public service."

“Expansion of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship will open more doors of opportunity for more New Yorkers who are interested in pursuing careers in public service. ACS is proud to partner with DCAS each year by welcoming new fellows to our team who help carry out our mission while developing the skills and experience needed to build long-term careers in city government. We look forward to the program’s continued growth and success,” said ACS Commissioner Rebecca Jones Gaston.

“The expansion of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship is an important investment in our city’s future and in the talented graduates of CUNY,” said Council Member Shirley Aldebol. “By doubling the number of fellows and creating more opportunities throughout the year, we are opening the door for more young New Yorkers to build meaningful careers in public service. I’m especially pleased to see the addition of the Customer Service and Community Engagement track, which recognizes that effective government starts with listening to and serving our communities. With more than 75% of program completers transitioning into full-time city employment, this fellowship is proving that when we create pathways into government, we create pathways to opportunity for both our graduates and the city they serve.”

"The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship is a critical pillar of the city’s ever-expanding role as an employer: it helps facilitate a new continuum that begins with early childhood education, spans K-12 and higher education and it results in reliable, rewarding city employment” said Council Member Rita Joseph “The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship is one of the most innovative tools the city has available to recruit talented young people to public service. We must also ensure these Fellows have pathways to permanent city employment if they so choose. I look forward to continuing and strengthening the city’s relationship with CUNY."

“The expansion of the Civil Services Pathway Fellowship is great news for our city,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “To keep local government thriving, we need young people: we need their input, we need their skills, and we need their leadership. As Chair of the Education Committee and former Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I have seen how important opportunities like this fellowship are for students leaving college and entering the workforce. The mentorship, professional development, and learning experiences are invaluable. With these expansions, the program will now be able to serve more CUNY students, helping cultivate the next generation of public servants who will lead our city forward.”

Applications are currently open for the tenth cohort of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship starting in January 2027. Eligible CUNY graduates who are interested in applying can learn more through the CSPF webpage, applications for the January 2027 cohort close September 4.

Contact:
Amina Sarfraz
Communications Associate, DCAS
communications@dcas.nyc.gov
Photos Available HERE
Photo Credit: NYC DCAS