The Mexican Studies Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to highly motivated students. The scholarship program is intended to help current and future community leaders to advance their educational goals. Recipients will work closely with the Institute staff and community-based organizations to advance the Mexican and/or immigrant community. Criteria for selection are academic excellence, financial need, and commitment to service in the immigrant and/or Mexican community in New York, without consideration of immigration status.

Award Amount

Up to $7,500 to current and prospective CUNY students.

The Mexican Studies Scholarship program features:

  • A series of professional development workshops;
  • Access to prominent CUNY alumni, faculty, and staff;
  • Special invitations to exclusive events throughout the year;
  • Opportunity to be a part of our Mentorship Program.

  • Eligibility Requirements:

    • Have graduated or will graduate from high school or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma by the end of the 2021-2022 academic year;
    • Intend to enroll full time in an associate or baccalaureate program at a CUNY Campus in Fall 2022 AND Spring 2023;
    • Must demonstrate significant financial need;
    • Willingness to be a lifelong learner;
    • Openness to share experiences and accomplishments to inspire other students.

    Conditions of the scholarship for Applicants

    Failure to comply with the following conditions may result in the suspension or revocation of scholarship award and future eligibility.

    • Undergraduate students are expected to enroll full time (more than 12 credits per term);
    • Remain in good academic standing and maintain a GPA of 3.0;
    • Must take a course in either Mexican Migration and or Spanish Language at their home campus (course may have been taken in previous semesters prior to receiving scholarship);
    • Complete 200-hour internship in an affiliated nonprofit institution.

    Special Features: The Mexican Studies Scholarship Fund offers several special features:

    • A series of leadership workshops;
    • Opportunity to participate in a 200-hour internship in an affiliated nonprofit institution;
    • Special invitations to exclusive events throughout the year;
    • Access to a one year long Mentorship Program;
    • Pay it forward by hosting one CUNY Becas promotional workshop;
    • Opportunity to write a blog post about their CUNY Becas experience, to be featured on the Institute website and in monthly newsletter;
    • Access to prominent CUNY alumni, faculty, and staff;
    • Opportunity to become an Institute fellow, limited scholarship that cover remaining years until graduation.

    Important Dates:

    • January 25, 2022- Application Opens
    • February 28, 2022, 11:59PM. EST- Application Closes
    • March 15, 2022, 11:59PM. EST-Recommendation Letter Deadline
    • March - Semifinalist Group Interview
    • Late April- Awardees Notified
    • Late May- Award Ceremony, recipients must attend

    How to Apply:

    1. Submit online application;
    2. Upload required documents;

      Most recent transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)

      Two essays, 750-word max each (new applicants only, see "Supporting Documents" section below)

      Resume (pdf format)

    3. List your recommender on your application;
    4. Contact your recommender to submit your recommendation letter (link can be found below);
    5. Submit your completed application for review (expect a confirmation email after successfully submitting your application).

Click here to apply.