Are there grants for the unemployed in NY?

Here are some suggestions:

SUGGESTION #1: I remembered this from high school - over 40 years ago. As I was walking down a hall, I overheard two teachers talking about it:

Do a search for Lovejoy's Guide OR Robert Leider.

Suggestion #2: Inquire about scholarships, fellowships, gifts and grants in your chosen field.

Suggestion #3: On weekends, during semester/holiday breaks and during the summer do volunteer work in your chosen profession. Chat with people about possible sources for scholarships, grants, fellowships and low-interest loans.

At the very most, you'll get the financial assistance you're looking for. At the very least the answer you will or may get is a flat "NO" - without any explanation. [Other than in love and romance, "NO" never hurt anyone.]

A side thought: "NO" might mean "not right now". It doesn't mean the funds completely "dried-up" or won't be available until next month, 3 months from now or even next year. You don't know until you ask.

Suggestion #4: Journal every day on your computer. What you learned and what you were taught. What to do and what not to do.

I gave you some suggestions and a light down a path. You can see, YOU HAVE OTHER OPTIONS. The rest is up to you.