CUNY Baccalaureate Program Scholarships

The Program is pleased to offer the following scholarships, subject to the availability of funding.

• Thomas W. Smith Academic Fellowship
  
• Diego Hidalgo Scholarship for Political Science/International Affairs
  
• Diego Hidalgo Scholarship for the Arts
  
• Harriet Brows Scholarship
  
• Daniel E. Smith Scholarship for Returning Women
  
• The Memorial Scholarship for Students in Education or Human Services
  
• John F. Kennedy Jr. Fellowship (additional application)

These scholarships, funded by a variety of donors, are exclusively for students enrolled in the CUNY BA/BS Program. Students who meet the basic eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for these scholarships, as well as scholarships and awards available at their CUNY home colleges and through external organizations.

The next application deadline for the scholarships is February 2009.

Descriptions

The Thomas W. Smith Academic Fellowship
Thomas W. Smith Academic Fellowships are funded through a donation by Mr. Thomas Smith to the CUNY Baccalaureate Program to recognize academic excellence within the Program. Awards are disbursed in October and February. Subject to maintenance of good academic standing, awards are renewable until the recipient completes all degree contract credits and graduates from the Program.

In order to be eligible, students must: have accumulated a minimum of 48 credits by the end of the spring semester; earned a minimum of 6 CUNY credits in the CUNY Baccalaureate Program by the end of the spring semester; be in good standing (have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and not on academic or administrative probation), and have no open grades, i.e., no INC, ABS, etc. grades, without valid explanation and documentation.

Recipients must: take at least six degree contract credits for each semester following the award; attend an orientation and awards ceremony the following fall; submit a report each semester to be considered for renewal.

Because the Smith Fellowship recognizes academic excellence, significant weight is given to the applicant's GPA and to the seriousness of the applicant's academic interests and plans. International students may apply.

Up to 25 awards are given each year. Awards of $2,400 per semester are made to full-time students (minimum 12 credits per semester) and $1,200-$1,800 per semester to part-time students (6-11 credits per semester).

The Diego Hidalgo Scholarship for Political Science/International Affairs
For CUNY Baccalaureate Program students who are preparing for a career related to international relations, diplomacy, or political affairs. The Diego Hidalgo Scholarships, offered by international diplomat, author, and philanthropist Mr. Diego Hidalgo, have been created to help promote the strengthening of the democratic system and international understanding. Students may apply for this scholarship based on a substantial project they are working on (i.e., an independent study, research project, or volunteer/internship program) and/or their overall area of concentration. International students may apply. Overall GPA must be 2.8 or higher.

Two scholarships will be awarded during the fall semester; full-time students receive $4,000 for the year ($2,000 a semester); part-time students receive $2,000 for the year ($1,000 a semester). This is a one-time award.

The Diego Hidalgo Scholarship for the Arts
For CUNY Baccalaureate Program students whose Areas of Concentration incorporate the fine arts, such as music, drama, dance, creative writing, and visual arts. There is no GPA requirement, but all applicants’ academic records will be reviewed. International students may apply.

At least two scholarships will be awarded during the fall semester; full-time students receive $3,000; part-time students receive $1,500. This is a one-time award.

The Harriet Brows Scholarship
For CUNY Baccalaureate Program students who are interested in or have already demonstrated a commitment to social/change in some form. A concern for social change might be evidenced in an academic plan or professional focus internationally or domestically that includes, for example, delivering business, skill development or educational training to youth or adults; the advancement of economic development in poor communities study, work in cross-cultural understand and/or peace issues; human rights; refugee affairs; sustainable land use and environmental issues, and environmentally responsible engineering/architecture.

Scholarships in the amount of at least $500 are awarded in the spring semester

The Daniel E. Smith Scholarship for Returning Women
This scholarship was created by a graduate of the Program and her husband to encourage and support female students who have returned to college despite personal and financial challenges, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to obtaining their degrees. To apply, you must be: 1) a woman age 30 or over; 2) have at least a 3.0 GPA; 3) be a citizen of the United States. Both full and part-time students may apply.

One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded during the spring semester. This is a one-time award.

The Memorial Scholarship for Students in Education or Human Services
For CUNY Baccalaureate Program students in any Area of Concentration who are preparing for careers in Social/Human Services or Education. This scholarship is made possible by Mary Beth and Richard Ketchum in memory of their parents. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply. Overall GPA must be 2.8 or higher. This is a one-time award. Up to ten scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded during the spring semester.

John F. Kennedy Jr. Fellowship
The John F. Kennedy, Jr. Institute for Worker Education/CUNY has designated ten annual Kennedy Program scholarships for CUNY BA/BS Program students. The Fellowship provides $750 per semester (starting in the spring) for up to four semesters (which may include graduate school), plus networking, mentoring, and other support services.

To be eligible, students must have at least one year of employment (at least 20 hours/week) as frontline workers with agencies that provide health, education, or human services to New York residents. Candidates must have at least two semesters of academic work left to complete their degrees.