The NYSABE Bilingual Educator Pipeline Initiative provides financial support to multilingual undergraduate students pursuing careers in teaching and related educational fields at Buffalo State University.

Program Eligibility

To be considered for funding, applicants must:

  • Be admitted to Buffalo State University in one of the following eligible undergraduate programs:
    • Special Education and Childhood Education
    • Childhood Education
    • Speech-Language Pathology
    • Mathematics Education
    • Social Studies Education
  • Be proficient in English and at least one additional language. Applicants who speak all languages are encouraged to apply. Priority languages include Spanish, Bengali, Arabic, Burmese, Swahili, Karen, and Somali.
  • Be a resident of New York State.
  • Be enrolled in an eligible academic program.
  • Hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

To remain eligible for continued funding, recipients must:

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Remain enrolled in an eligible academic program.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  • Actively participate in cohort-related activities, including required meetings, mentoring, professional development, leadership opportunities, and other program events designed to support academic success and educator preparation.

Steps for Participating

  • Complete the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have it on file with Buffalo State University's Financial Aid Office.
    • FAFSA School Code: 002842
  • Complete all applicable New York State financial aid applications, including:
    • Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
    • Excelsior Scholarship
    • NYS Dream Act (if applicable)
    • Any other available federal or New York State financial aid programs
    • TAP School Code: 0905
  • Complete all outstanding financial aid requirements.

Award Information

Awards are based on demonstrated financial need, eligibility, and the availability of program funds.

Scholarships are intended to support non-tuition educational expenses, such as:

  • University fees
  • Room and board
  • Personal educational expenses
  • Transportation and travel expenses related to attendance

Scholarship awards may not exceed a student's Cost of Attendance (COA) as determined by Buffalo State University. Funding is intended to supplement, not replace, available federal, state, institutional, or other financial aid.

Housing support is prioritized for eligible students whose permanent residence is located more than 30 miles from Buffalo State University.

Awards are reviewed on a semester-by-semester basis by the Program Director and Coordinator.