Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Apr. 17 the launch of the Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship, a $50,000 fund at CUNY City College designed to support New York students pursuing careers in teaching. The announcement was made during this year’s SOMOS Reception at the Executive Mansion.
The new scholarship aims to help students transition from college into teaching roles, supporting Governor Hochul’s focus on educational affordability and workforce development. It is intended to address teacher shortages and provide financial assistance for rising seniors who plan to enter the teaching profession.
“Investing in our young educators is investing in New York’s future,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud that the Evelyn Linares Legacy Scholarship will support CUNY students pursuing teaching careers. By ensuring students have the financial resources to transition from college to the workforce, we are preparing CUNY students for successful careers right here in New York’s school system.”
The scholarship honors Evelyn Linares, a City College alumna and founding principal who dedicated 50 years to education. The fund builds on last year’s Carol Robles-Román Excellence Award at CUNY John Jay College but specifically targets aspiring teachers rather than those entering law or public service fields.
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “New York’s public schools are only as strong as the people standing in front of our classrooms. This scholarship honors a life of extraordinary service and opens a door for the next generation of teachers who might not otherwise have the financial support to pursue that calling. The scholarship honors the matriarch of an incredible family. I thank Governor Hochul for this commitment to our students and to the teaching profession.”
State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “I am particularly honored to celebrate the late Evelyn Linares, a great 50-year education advocate, and CUNY City College alumna and founding principal…this Legacy Scholarship can help address that shortage and reduce notoriously large class sizes.” Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman highlighted how “representation in the classroom matters” while Assemblymember Karines Reyes called it “a powerful testament” to community-centered investment.
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “As a teacher and later the founding principal of P.S./I.S. 210…Evelyn Linares spent half a century proving that a school is the most powerful place to change a life…We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her steadfast support of CUNY and our students…”
The establishment of this scholarship marks both one year since Evelyn Linares’ passing and commemorates her husband Dr. Guillermo Linares’ retirement after five decades serving education.
