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 and/or selection 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 different, but there is only one common application. Based on your responses to the demographic questions, the application will populate which scholarships you are eligible to apply for. 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 (typically the Spring) and when the scholarship is distributed (typically the following Fall). 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 Kareem Hayes
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 Kareem Hayes
Classification (at time of application) Undergraduate
GPA Requirement 2.3 minimum
Financial Eligibility N/A
Judicial Good Judicial Standing
Additional Requirements Recipient must have demonstrated leadership in student groups and/or community activities. Recipients must be ALANA students: African, Latin, Asian, and Native American student.
Contact Kareem Hayes
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 Kareem Hayes
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 Kareem Hayes