Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation awards a $1.1 million transformative grant to the Westchester Community College Foundation

Transformative Scholarships Create Tuition-Free Pathways for New Generation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

VALHALLA, NY— The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation has awarded a transformative grant of up to $1.1 million to the Westchester Community College Foundation to create tuition-free pathways for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students at SUNY Westchester Community College (SUNY WCC). This funding support removes financial barriers to meaningful healthcare careers while strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce.

Beginning in September 2025, the newly established Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Scholarships for Nursing and Certified Nursing Assistants will guarantee tuition and related college fee-free education for all eligible students enrolled in SUNY WCC’s Nursing and Certified Nursing Assistant programs. This includes all currently enrolled Nursing students as well as those entering in Spring 2026 (four cohorts in total) through completion of their degrees over the next two years, and all Certified Nursing Assistant students during the 2025–26 academic year through certification.

SUNY WCC has long served as a cornerstone of healthcare education in Westchester, building a proud tradition of preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals. The Associate Degree in Nursing program has earned an outstanding reputation for excellence, achieving a 95% NCLEX pass rate in 2024 and 98% to date in 2025. Graduates consistently secure positions at respected medical institutions throughout the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas, providing essential patient careacross diverse specialties.

The college’s Certified Nursing Assistant program at the SUNY WCC Ossining Extension Center provides essential entry-level healthcare training in just one semester, combining classroom instruction with clinical practice. Through strong partnerships with regional healthcare facilities,including Bethel Nursing and Rehab Center, St. Cabrini Nursing Home, and Tarrytown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, SUNY WCC positions its graduates for immediate employment opportunities.

“This remarkable grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation creates new opportunities for students while strengthening our region’s healthcare infrastructure,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of SUNY WCC. “Through this support, we’re preparing skilled healthcare professionals who are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.”

“As a nurse, I am deeply grateful for the financial support provided by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation as it will allow Nursing students to fully focus on their rigorous academic preparation without having to worry about the financial aspect of their education,” said George W Contreras, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as New York State faces a projected shortage of over 40,000healthcare workers by 2030. Meeting this challenge requires both educational innovation and community investment. The college’s strategic location and strong industry partnerships make it uniquely equipped to connect graduates directly with high-demand positions throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

“Our short-term workforce programs provide students with the critical skills that prepare them for entry-level healthcare employment,” said Teresita B. Wisell, Vice President, Workforce Development and Community Education. “For many, our Certified Nursing Assistant program is the first step in a pathway to lasting and fulfilling careers in healthcare.”

“Nurses and healthcare professionals are essential to the well-being of our communities,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. “We are proud to support the students in SUNY WCC’s outstanding nursing programs that will ensure our community has access to quality healthcare services for generations to come.”

The scholarships will begin supporting students in September 2025 and will extend to all eligible currently enrolled Nursing students and those entering in Spring 2026, with support continuing through degree completion. Certified Nursing Assistant students will receive full support during the2025–26 academic year. The first graduates from both programs will enter the workforce as early as January 2026.

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Scholarships represent more than just financial support;they reflect our dedication to strengthening the health and resilience of our entire community. By connecting talented, compassionate individuals with the education they need, this initiative builds a pipeline of qualified professionals who will carry SUNY WCC’s tradition of excellence into healthcare settings. Their skills will directly impact patient outcomes and quality of care for decades to come.

About SUNY Westchester Community College

SUNY Westchester Community College provides over 20,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers more than 65 degree and certificate programs, including offerings in high-demand fields such as Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology, and Digital Filmmaking. SUNY WCC proudly reflects the rich diversity of Westchester County and remains committed to student success and workforce development.