Porter discusses Urban Fellows Program and 55A program
The Urban Fellows Program is a nine-month fellowship with 77% staying on last year; the 55A program allows hiring of qualified persons with disabilities without an exam.
The second of our shorter-term programs is the Urban Fellows Program, a nine-month fellowship that combines work in mayoral offices and city agencies with volunteer service opportunities
and a weekly seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy.
Urban fellows are placed at an array of agencies across the city where they learn about public policy through a hands-on approach.
We continue to see a growing number of fellows remain in city government.
with 77% staying on last year and 38% staying on this year.
The last pathway I would like to speak on is our 55A program, a valuable asset in our recruitment portfolio.
Our administration of the 55A program allows a qualified person with a certified mental or physical disability to be hired into competitive civil service positions without having to take an exam.
As stated earlier, most City of New York jobs require the candidates to take and pass a competitive civil service exam before they can be hired.
Through our 55A program, eligible persons are evaluated for positions based on their qualifications and interviews.
This program is a great equalizer for municipal hiring and promotes city work in an equitable manner for New Yorkers.
Currently, we are working closely with the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities to amplify its reach.