Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the opening of applications for the Empire State Summer Service Corps Program, inviting State University of New York (SUNY) students to apply for one of 150 paid civic and service internships available this summer. The program is scheduled to run from May through August 2025, and applications are open until March 20, 2025.
The Empire State Service Corps, introduced in 2024, offers SUNY students the opportunity to engage in paid public service across New York State. Participants are required to commit at least 300 hours to community service, either on-campus or within local communities, and will convene regularly to share and learn from each other’s experiences. The program encompasses various focus areas, including K-12 tutoring, SNAP and basic needs outreach, peer mental health support, sustainability initiatives, anti-hate and bias prevention, civic engagement, and assistance with FAFSA completion.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “College has the unique power to bring students together in service and learning. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and the support of the Legislature, SUNY is proud to make it possible for hundreds of our students to complete paid service internships in their communities through the Empire State Service Corps.”
In its inaugural application cycle, the program received nearly 2,000 applications for 500 positions across 45 SUNY colleges and universities during the 2024-25 academic year. With the support of AmeriCorps funding, the program is expanding to accommodate 150 students for the upcoming summer session.
Governor Hochul and the state legislature have allocated $2.75 million in the FY25 Enacted Budget to continue funding the Empire State Service Corps, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering service opportunities for college students.
SUNY students interested in applying for the Empire State Summer Service Corps Program can find the application and additional information on the SUNY website. Community-based organizations and local school districts interested in hosting service corps members are also encouraged to submit their information through the provided link.
The State University of New York, the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, serves approximately 1.4 million students across its 64 colleges and universities. SUNY is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering opportunities for students to engage in meaningful community service and career development.
