The Edward I. Koch Scholarship Progam in Public Service

Deadline to apply: Thursday, December 1, 2011. 

The Edward I. Koch Program in Public Service supports motivated students who devote 200 or more hours of service each year to nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout New York City. Through the program, CCNY students can experience first-hand the challenges and rewards of working for the common good, interact with professionals in their chosen field of interest, and see how community organizations work to meet public needs. Additionally, Koch Scholars participate in workshops and discussions that enhance their ability to engage communities in meaningful ways and that provide opportunities for leadership development, reflection and engaged learning.

Koch Scholars perform a wide variety of services from translating between doctor and patient in hospital emergency rooms to assisting teachers in local elementary schools and providing meals at homeless shelters.  Each service assignment requires patience, energy, thoughtfulness, and persistence.  In all, since 2006, Koch Scholars have devoted more than 8,446 hours to service across the five boroughs.

Who It's For
The Koch Scholarship program is designed for civic-minded young people who show a commitment to volunteering and who demonstrate financial need. The program supports five students in each class for up to four years.

The Award
The Edward I. Koch Scholarship Program provides $5,000 of financial support to five students a year who show a commitment to community service through regular active volunteering. The scholarships, designed to cover tuition, books, and fees at CCNY, are renewable for three years.

how It Works
The Koch Scholarship program begins in the fall with a welcoming orientation, which provides an opportunity for scholars to meet one a other and talk about their interests. Additionally, throughout the year, the program provides some professional-development training and training designed to encourage participants to think deeply about the connections among their service experiences, their personal and professional goals, and the lives of people who live beyond the walls of City College. Students may continue volunteering with an organization with which they have an established relationship or they may begin volunteering with a new organization or group. The Center can assist Koch Scholars find volunteer placements. Scholars log their service hours quarterly through our online timesheet. All Scholars will be provided with a log–in and password in order to access the site, update their hours, and submit them to the program staff.