Health care workers continue to be in demand in New York state. According to 2021 research, the state needs an 80% increase in health care worker positions to meet minimal services in communities. Fellowships are one solution to support that infrastructure across the state.

The fellowships are through the New York State Public Health Corps. Fellows’ backgrounds can be many areas, like nursing, IT or data science.

What You Need To Know

  • 378 fellows are currently working throughout New York, according to the Department of Health

  • The New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship program was born from the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Overall, $127,945,550 was made available to support the fellows program, according to the Department of Health

Emani Gonzalez is a fellow that’s coming to the end of her one-year program.

“I'm very shy and reserved, so this position has forced me to come outside of my comfort zone and speak in front of people, which I would never normally do,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has been a fellow with the Allyn Foundation for almost a year.

“A typical day includes creating social media content like infographics; I work on a podcast,” said Gonzalez.

She works on a campaign called "Layla’s Got You," which focuses on promoting sexual health and well-being to Black women ages 18-25.

Gonzalez is one of 378 fellows currently working throughout New York, according to the Department of Health.

“The Public Health Fellows really gave us an opportunity to hire at a time when it was difficult to recruit and hire,” said Michelle Mignano, deputy commissioner of the Onondaga County Health Department.

Like many things, the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship program was born from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“New York State was using the American Recovery, the ARA funds. The goal obviously was to heal our country, our nation, our state to think about locally, how could we employ people? How could we help keep us on track?” said Mignano.

According to the Department of Health, 626 fellows have been hired so far, working in 50 counties. Mignano said the initial money set aside for the fellows is running out in June.

“But the state recognizing how positive it’s been for all of our communities has provided additional funding. And so the expectation is that this first year, we’ll be getting fewer, far fewer, but still some fellows,” said Mignano.

“It gives opportunities for young people to get their foot in the door and to make a difference and use their voice,” said Gonzalez.

Mignano also said they have been hiring fellows into full-time positions. Overall, $127,945,550 was made available to support the fellows program, according to the Health Department. 

Applications will be opening this spring.