Paulson Leadership Award for Jewish CUNY Students

FROM HILLEL INTERNATIONAL

In support of Hillel’s mission to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, Hillel International is pleased to offer this scholarship opportunity to Jewish students at The City University of New York (CUNY) campuses for the 2025-26 academic year. Scholarships will be managed by Hillel International in support of Jewish students attending CUNY schools served by Hillel.

Hillel believes deeply in the power of higher education to transform the lives of individuals and families. The Paulson Leadership Award for Jewish CUNY Students is designed to support the pursuit of higher education of Jewish students who demonstrate leadership, entrepreneurship, and/or volunteerism in their local or campus community. Applicants must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher to qualify.

Priority for scholarships will be given to students who identify as a first-generation college student, defined as "the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a four-year degree program".

Award Amount: $4,000 per year

Renewable for up to three additional school years, in addition to the first year. Not renewable after the fourth school year/payment, or the student’s completion of an undergraduate degree, whichever comes first.

Eligible: current high school seniors, gap-year students, undergraduate first-years, sophomores, and juniors who will be attending Baruch College, Brooklyn College, College of Staten Island, Hunter College, John Jay College, Lehman College, Queens College, or The City College of New York.

See the full eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

Student Information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Current Class Year

grad year

start date

Contact Information

Country

Other Country

Street

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Student Mobile Phone

I have already made my decision about which CUNY school I will be attending next fall

YesNo

School

School ID

This will be hidden on live form.

Parent/Guardian - Contact Information

Parent/Guardian 1

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Type

Phone

Parent/Guardian 2

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Type

Phone

Academic Record

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (unweighted, out of 4.0) or 3.5 (weighted, out of 5.0) at the time the application is submitted in order to be eligible.

High School Name

University Name

University ID

This will be hidden on the live form.

Most Recent or Current Unweighted GPA

Out of 4.0

Current Weighted GPA (if applicable)

Major

Second Major (if double major)

Third Major

Minor(s)

Class Rank (if known)

References

Please provide the names and at least one form of contact information of two references who can speak to your leadership, hard work, and dedication both in the classroom and the community.

Examples of references can include teachers, professors, advisors, coaches, volunteer leaders, internship supervisors, or other mentors. Please do not include friends, parents, or other relatives.

Please note: references do not need to submit a letter of recommendation. References will only be contacted if the applicant is selected as a finalist.

Reference 1

First Name

Last Name

Relationship

Other

Email Address

Phone Number

Reference 2

First Name

Last Name

Relationship

Other

Email Address

Phone Number

Short Answer Essays

Hillel believes deeply in the power of higher education to transform the lives of individuals and families. The Paulson Leadership Award for Jewish CUNY Students is designed to support the pursuit of higher education of Jewish students who demonstrate leadership, entrepreneurship, and/or volunteerism in their local or campus community. Applicants must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher to qualify. Priority for scholarships will be given to students who are of first-generation. Renewable for up to three additional school years, in addition to the first year. Not renewable after the fourth school year/payment or student’s completion of an undergraduate degree, whichever comes first.

Please describe your most impactful leadership activity, and how your participation impacted your community and fellow students, or the community around you.
Please respond in 300-500 words.

Why college? Describe why college is important to you as a first-generation student, if applicable.
Please respond in 300-500 words.

Share with us your most inspiring Jewish moment:
Please respond in 300-500 words.

Certify

I certify that all of the information on this application is true to the best of my knowledge

Pledge

If selected as a recipient, I commit to write a yearly thank you letter to Mr. John Paulson, the funder of the Paulson Leadership Award for Jewish CUNY Students. Hillel International will provide you with a template.

College Scholarships from Hillel International

Paulson Leadership Award for Jewish CUNY Students

FROM HILLEL INTERNATIONAL