Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship

The Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship (ESDHS) Program is a scholarship of direct aid to attract and retain undergraduate students to State University of New York (University) campuses who have demonstrated high academic achievement and have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. The program is open to all students from a broad range of backgrounds who will contribute to the diversity of the student body by demonstrating a commitment to facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus communities. Funding is provided equally from the State University of New York and from the Brockport Foundation.

Eligible students must

• be matriculated in a degree seeking program, preferred full-time status but part-time students are eligible,
• demonstrate high academic achievement,
• be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident status and a New York State resident,
• demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education, and
• demonstrate the commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus communities.

Preference will be given to candidates who are from a low-income background (e.g., Pell-eligible as undergraduates), are first-generation college students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree), have overcome adversity, are AmeriCorps alumni, or are veterans.

Recipients are not required to demonstrate financial need. However, to determine eligibility for other state and federal financial aid, all recipients should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Selected students who are eligible must apply for and utilize all Pell Grant and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award before the Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship can be applied. The amount of the total ESDHS, including the campus-matching share, cannot exceed the difference between the total cost of attendance and financial aid received. It is the intent of this program that recipients continue to receive ESDHS support while enrolled at the campus granting the scholarship, provided the student meets the required academic criteria established by that college.

The Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship Program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.

This is an Apply-To Opportunity. Applicants will need to submit one or more additional items to be considered for this award after submitting the General Application.