Myself Third Scholarship

The Myself Third scholarship program has been made possible through a generous gift provided by City College alumnus, Robert Friedman.  It was established in 2002 in tribute to the idealism and spirit of those who participated in the rescue effort following the World Trade Center tragedy.  The purpose of the program is to encourage and reward civic involvement of high school students. 

• The competition is open to New York City public high school seniors who are enrolled in or have completed at least one course or workshop in the College Now Program.  In 2014, ten, one-time awards of $5,000 each, will be awarded to CUNY-bound students enrolling in either an associates or baccalaureate degree program on a full-time basis.

• Applicants must be nominated by a teacher or guidance counselor, who then serves as a mentor to the student throughout the application process.  Whenever possible, high school principals should sign-off on their students’ applications, and high school liaisons should review application packets for proper signatures and requirements (i.e., essay, letter(s) of recommendation, transcript, etc).

• Applicants are required to submit an essay, in which they discuss what motivated them to become involved in helping their community, school, or fellow citizens.  They are asked to illustrate their involvement in civic service by writing about a specific project or activity they participated in or developed, and to reflect on that experience.   In addition, all applicants must submit an official transcript; a description of volunteer, work, and extracurricular activities; and a letter of support from a nominating high school teacher or guidance counselor.  Supplemental letters of support from volunteer supervisors are strongly encouraged.  Letter of Support forms are available for download on the CUNY College Now website.  Recommenders must use these forms, as generic and/or college recommendation letters will not be accepted.

• Students are judged based on the quality of the essay – especially the personal experience described in it, the type and time commitment of the service activity or activities, the letter(s) of recommendation as well as overall academic performance (i.e., demonstrated improvement vs. GPA).

• Students selected to receive the scholarship will be required to provide proof of enrollment at CUNY and to commit to participating in at least one community service project during their first year @ CUNY.  Winners will be notified in May, and the awarding of scholarships will take place at a ceremony in June (date TBD).