New York Life Undergraduate Scholars Program
2008-2009

The Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies
City College of New York

The New York Life Endowment for Emerging African-American Issues is designed to promote the study and understanding of African-American perspectives on policy issues. It supports students from populations underrepresented among policymakers, particularly but not limited to African-American students, to participate in the Colin Powell Center’s unique programs of service-learning and student research combined with professional and academic mentoring.

New York Life Scholars (undergraduates) will receive $10,000 in scholarship support for each of two years (assuming students remain in good standing). The program is designed for highly talented City College undergraduates. Students from all schools and disciplines are encouraged to apply, especially those who have a demonstrated interest in public policy issues. The scholarship also provides the possibility of a stipend to support scholars who participate in a summer internship related to their work as New York Life Scholars. In addition, the program involves Scholars in two years of specialized workshops, instruction, and mentoring at the Powell Center.

The Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies is non-partisan think tank names for one of CCNY's best-known graduates. The Center's research, conferences, training workshops and community-based projects bring a diverse student body together with practitioners, analysts, and faculty experts to consider real-world public policy issues. The Powell Center is committed to developing a new generation of publicly engaged leaders, with scholarship support, mentoring, and career-development services.

The program will select eight New York Life Scholars. Applicants should be on track to have between 40 and 80 credits completed by the end of the Spring 2008 semester and plan to be at CCNY as students through Spring 2010.

How to Apply to the New York Life Scholars Program Deadline: March 14, 2008 Students interested in becoming New York Life Scholars should submit the following: Cover Sheet that includes your (1) name, (2) contact information, including mailing address, e-mail and all phone numbers; (3) major or likely major; (4) number of credits already completed; (5) anticipated graduation date; (6) names and contact information for two people who are submitting letters of recommendation for you (at least one of whom should be a City College faculty member). Current Résumé Statement of Interest: In a roughly three-page statement, please describe (1) your scholarly interests and experiences at CCNY, (2) your interests and career goals as they relate to public policy and/or public service, and (3) your view (in brief) on one of the most important problem facing the country or world—an issue about which you feel passionately. Two Letters of Recommendation. These should be submitted in sealed envelopes with your application, and the recommender should have signed across the seal of the recommendation envelope.

Both citizens and non-citizens are encouraged to apply, and applicants are encouraged to consult with Center staff while completing the application.

Applications should be submitted to Wanda Mercado, Shepard Hall, Room 550. Finalists will be interviewed and those selected for the fellowship will begin with support in the Fall of 2008.

If you have questions, please contact Wanda Mercado, Office Administrator, Colin Powell Center, at wmercado@ccnycuny.edu or 212-650-7391