Apply
Review eligiblity & requirements and apply for the Education Fund Award.
About the award
The award recognizes extraordinary women and often heroic effort in overcoming adversity as they restructure their lives for success. Unlike financial aid or scholarships, the $10,000 award goes directly to the recipient for whatever needs loom largest for her, whether tuition, childcare, medical bills, elder care, transportation, housing, or any other priority. Applicants and their references should share the narrative of obstacles confronted and overcome, and any demonstrations of leadership and care for their community. Awards have been granted to over 380 women, amounting to over $3 million in assistance. Previous recipients have gone on to obtain master's degrees and Ph.D.'s and become leaders throughout the city.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome before June 30th, 2026.
Download Eligibility RequirementsApplicant Must:
- be at least 25 years old by December 31, 2025
- attend college at a two or four-year institution in New York City
- reside in New York City
- be pursuing her FIRST Associate or Bachelor's degree and have earned at least 12 credits in good standing
- have attended a college in New York City during the 2025 academic year and be enrolled for at least 6 credits in the 2026 academic year
- have at least 9 credits to complete graduation requirements AFTER June 2026
- If completing an Associate degree in June 2026, must then provide evidence of admission to a Bachelor's degree program
- complete an additional semester of 6 or more credits within twelve months of receiving the Award (at an NYC college/university), i.e., by June 2027
The 2026 Application submission deadline was March 1st, 2026.
Applicants will create an account on the AwardForce site and must complete all required sections through the online portal by the application deadline. Additional guidance is included in the Eligibility & Instructions document available in the link above.
One reference letter is required and must be written by a faculty member or administrator at your college who is familiar with your academic work and ideally, your family history, academic background, and career goals. One additional letter from a non-academic source can be submitted optionally.
Student transcripts will be uploaded with the application. If selected, applicants may be required to provide an official copy of their transcript before the award payment is distributed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Awards are given in two installments: $5,000 upon notification of the Award by June 30, 2026, and $5,000 in January 2027 or upon successful completion of an additional semester of 6 or more credits.
- Recipients will be required to submit an official transcript for their additional semester of 6 or more credits before the second installment is awarded.