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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.

Applicant 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

Loreslee Hernandez, 2023 Education Fund Scholar

APPLICATION Components

The 2026 Application submission deadline is MARCH 1ST, 2026.

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Online Application

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.

Reference Letter

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.

Transcript

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.