Awards and Scholarships

Annually, the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement awards over $50,000 in scholarships to returning students who are actively engaged in leadership and service on campus and in the community.

Community Impact Awards

The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement coordinates the application process for the Community Impact Awards: Scholarships for students serving and leading in their communities. Scholarship amounts vary by award but typically range between $500 and $5,000.

Qualifications for each scholarship are established by donors and may be different based on donor preferences, but there is only one common application. All submissions, however, must include a complete application, an essay, a resume, and two references. Please note that some scholarships require additional materials.

Applicants must be a full-time RIT matriculated undergraduate student both at the time of application and when the scholarship is distributed the following Fall and Spring semesters. Awards are generally added directly to the student’s account.

Available Awards and Scholarships

Classification (at time of application) 2nd and 3rd year. 4th year if in 5 year program. (Undergraduate)
GPA Requirement 1.80-2.80
Financial Eligibility N/A
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements Recipient must be active in at least two major student activities.
Contact Emma Medina

Classification (at time of application) Undergraduate
GPA Requirement 2.0 minimum
Financial Eligibility Demonstrate financial need
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements Recipient must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated an interest in and ability to build bridges among people of diverse backgrounds.
Contact Andrew Cirillo

Classification (at time of application)

Freshman and Upperclassman (separate awards for each)
GPA Requirement 3.0 minimum
Financial Eligibility N/A
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements

Recipients must demonstrate leadership ability, good campus citizenship, and high personal standards through past or current service. Upperclassmen applicants must also demonstrate involvement in diversity and inclusion through leadership and participation.
Contact Sandy Whitmore

Classification (at time of application) 2nd and 3rd year. 4th year if in 5 year program. (Undergraduate)
GPA Requirement 2.0 minimum
Financial Eligibility Demonstrate financial need
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements Recipient(s) must have demonstrated significant effort towards the improvement and quality of campus.
Contact Emma Medina

Classification (at time of application) Undergraduate
GPA Requirement 2.3 minimum
Financial Eligibility N/A
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements The recipient must have demonstrated leadership in student groups and/or community activities. 
Contact Emma Medina

Classification (at time of application) Undergraduate
GPA Requirement N/A
Financial Eligibility Demonstrate financial need
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements Candidates must demonstrate that service to the RIT community is a personal commitment and an integral part of their university experience. Preference for current and active members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity.
Contact Emma Medina

Classification (at time of application) Undergraduate
GPA Requirement N/A
Financial Eligibility Demonstrate financial need
Judicial Good Academic and Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements

Preference given to ALANA (African, Asian, Latin, and Native American) students.
Contact Emma Medina

Classification (at time of application) Undergraduate
GPA Requirement 2.0 minimum
Financial Eligibility N/A
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements Recipient must have demonstrated significant and unique contributions towards the improvement and quality of campus life, tradition, pride, and spirit at RIT.
Contact Emma Medina

View past winners

FAQ

As part of the application, you will be asked a few demographic questions so we can match you with the awards you may qualify for. You will then be asked to upload your resume, respond to the award prompts you are eligible for, provide the name and email of an RIT faculty or staff member who will submit a reference, and share the name of a mentor (who may be the same person as your reference).

  • Draft your responses in a separate document
  • Tailor answers to the scholarship’s goals
  • Visit the Writing Commons for support
  • Proofread and submit early

All applicants are notified within a month after the application closes.

Each award has different eligibility criteria, please check each scholarship specifically for GPA requirements. You must have at least two semesters remaining in your undergraduate degree to apply for a Community Impact Award. 

Scholarships amounts range from $500-$2,500.