The Ellenville Central School District is once again partnering with SUNY Ulster and the SUNY Ulster Foundation to offer the President’s Challenge Scholarship to first-generation college-bound students who are currently in Grade 8.
Selected students will receive mentoring and college readiness support throughout High School, as well as a two-year, tuition-free college education at SUNY Ulster upon graduating. Students will also receive access to a select group of almost 200 scholarship recipients from across Ulster County, along with regular campus visits and individual advising.
Grade 8 students who are interested in learning more, or applying for the scholarship, should speak to their school counselor or visit this website.
Five recipients will be selected this spring from each Ulster County middle school. Preference will be given to students with economic need.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Program Information
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP (PCS) PROGRAM
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors from the local community and beyond, the President’s Challenge Scholarship assists first-generation Ulster County high school students with overcoming financial barriers associated with attending college. Students are identified in eighth grade by their sponsoring school district and receive mentoring and college readiness preparation through the completion of high school. Upon graduation, students are able to attend SUNY Ulster tuition-free for two years!
PROGRAM CRITERIA
To apply, students must be the first in their family to attend college, have an 80% cumulative GPA (75% in their four core classes – English, math, science and social studies) and have an 85% or better attendance record in school with minimal discipline infractions or a strong recommendation from a teacher or school administrator. Preference is given to students with economic need.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants must submit an application and essay prior to the deadline set by the school district, which is typically in the spring of a student’s eighth grade year.
Each school reviews the application materials and identifies the top 10 candidates for their District.
These candidates are invited to participate in a brief interview at the High School or online with members of the school district and SUNY Ulster.
Five scholarship recipients are selected after the interview process.
Recipients are notified shortly before their Moving-Up Ceremony in June.
PCS recipients participate in activities on the SUNY Ulster Campus and at their school district, starting in Grade 9 and throughout high school to support college readiness.