Frequently Asked Questions
Would I be eligible for a scholarship for a certificate program if I took classes at a community-based organization that is not participating in the Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program?
Yes. You will still be eligible for the scholarship program provided that you submit all of your application materials (in a timely fashion) and you meet all of the eligibility requirements. However, you will have to show the community-based organization or continuing education, Education and Training Provider the certificates for the sections and/or modules that you completed at the previous education and training provider.
What costs does the scholarship cover?
Scholarships for certificate programs for the CASAC, CRPA, and CPP credentials will cover course fees, books and other educational materials, and any applicable application or registration fees.
Scholarships for the bachelor’s degree program will cover tuition, books, mandatory fees, and the portfolio and individualized prior learning assessment fees.
Is there an application fee or a registration fee for the CASAC, CRPA, and CPP certificate programs?
Maybe. While some participating Education and Training Providers may charge an application or a registration fee, some may not. Application and registration fees will be covered for the certificate programs that charge these fees. Please contact the participating certificate programs that you are interested in to verify whether or not they charge an application or a registration fee.
I live outside of New York State. Do I still qualify for a scholarship?
No. You must be a New York State resident, having lived in the State of New York for at least one year prior to applying for the certificate program.
What are the deadlines to apply?
Applications for the Stony Brook University, Alfred State College and Friends of Recovery – New York programs are being accepted on a continuing basis until all scholarships are awarded.
- Most associate degree and integrated CASAC programs have rolling admissions. Please contact your college of choice for any application and registration deadlines.
- Future cohort dates for Stony Brook University are Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Apply as soon as possible to secure your seat.
- Applications for Empire State University’s program are as follows:
- Spring 2025 Term: Friday, November 22, 2024
- Summer 2025 Term: Friday, March 28, 2025
I do not work at an OASAS-certified or funded agency. Can I still apply?
Yes, we want individuals who are new to the addictions services profession to join the field. While individuals who are new to the addictions field are eligible for the programs (provided that they meet all eligibility requirements), applicants who are employees of OASAS-certified, funded, or otherwise authorized programs; OMH- and/or DOH-certified Integrated Outpatient Services (IOS-SUD); or DOH Drug User Health and/or Harm Reduction programs, will be prioritized over those who are entering the field. Additionally, for the B.S. in Addiction Studies program, individuals with either a CASAC or a CPS credential in good standing will also be prioritized over those who are entering the field.
What if I work at OASAS, OMH or DOH, but not at a site that is certified, funded, or authorized by OASAS; a DOH Drug User Health and/Harm Reduction program; or an OMH- and/or DOH-certified Integrated Outpatient Services site? Can I apply?
If you work at either OASAS, OMH, or DOH, but not at an OASAS-certified/funded/authorized site; a DOH Drug User Health and/Harm reduction program; or an OMH- and/or DOH-certified Integrated Outpatient Services site, you will still be eligible for a scholarship for one of the credential or certificate programs and the associate degree program as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
I do not currently work as a counselor. Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship?
Yes, we are selecting applicants with various levels of experience in the addictions services profession and even those without experience in the profession as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Would I be eligible for a scholarship if I do not have a credential?
Yes, you do not have to have a credential or certification in order to qualify for a scholarship for either the certificate programs, the associate degree, or the bachelor's degree program. However, applicants with a credential or certification - specifically, a CASAC or a CPS credential - will be prioritized over applicants without a credential for the bachelor's degree program.
I am interested in applying for a scholarship toward a credential or certificate program. What do I need to apply?
To apply to the credential or certificate programs at either the community-based organizations, Stony Brook University, and Alfred State College, just complete and submit the Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program Application for the program of your choice along with the following materials:
- a completed Employment Verification Form (for applicants who are employees in the addictions continuum of care)
- three reference forms/letters of recommendation; and
- a personal statement (for individuals not currently employed in the addictions field).
Please contact the program of your choice for their application.
Some programs may require you to complete additional application materials.
The program to which you apply will contact you regarding the status of your application.
To apply to the certificate program at Friends of Recovery – New York, just complete and submit the 2023-2024 CRPA Training Scholarship Application for the program of your choice along with the following materials: 1) documentation of education; 2) two (2) letters of recommendation specific to the scholarship program; and 3) responses to essay questions.
Please contact the program of your choice for the application and additional materials.
I am interested in applying for a scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies. What do I need to apply?
To apply for the bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies, you will be required to complete Empire State University’s general application by the application deadline for the term you intend to start. You will also need to complete and submit the Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program Application along with the following materials:
- a completed Employment Verification Form (for applicants who are employees in the addictions continuum of care);
- three reference forms/letters of recommendation; and
- a personal statement (for individuals not currently employed in the addictions field).
I am interested in applying for a scholarship toward an associate degree with an integrated CASAC program. What do I need to apply?
To apply for the associate degree and integrated CASAC program, complete and submit the Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program application for the school of your choice along with the following materials:
- a completed Employment Verification Form (for applicants who are employees in the addictions continuum of care;
- three reference forms/letters of recommendation; and
- a personal statement (for individuals not currently employed in the addictions field).
What will happen to my application (to a credential/certificate program at a community-based organization, Stony Brook University, and Alfred State College or an associate degree program with an integrated CASAC program) if I cannot obtain three (3) professional references?
If you cannot obtain three (3) professional references, you may submit one (1) professional or academic reference and two (2) personal references.