2017 NYCHA-CUNY Scholars

On September 20, NYCHA and the City University of New York (CUNY) celebrated 23 residents for their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to their communities at the 12th annual NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program awards ceremony, held at Borough of Manhattan Community College.

The Largest Class of Awardees in the Program’s History  

On September 20, NYCHA and the City University of New York (CUNY) celebrated 23 residents for their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to their communities at the 12th annual NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program awards ceremony, held at Borough of Manhattan Community College.

The NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship is awarded to residents in full-time CUNY programs with at least a 3.0 GPA. All awardees received $1,000 that can be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, books, and fees. Since 2005, the scholarship program has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships.

“Education is key to supporting residents achieve their potential; we are proud of these 23 dedicated students and are honored to support them on their journey,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye.

The scholarship program includes the NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship, funded by the New York City Council; the Levine Family Scholarship, funded by NYCHA and CUNY alumnus Jeffrey Levine; the Regina A. Figueroa Memorial Scholarship for residents with disabilities, this year funded by Tischelle George, Senior Advisor in Community Engagement and Partnerships. New this year is the Kofi Hormeku Scholarship provided by Nehemiah Economic Development, Inc., for residents living in Brownsville, East New York, or Ocean Hill, Brooklyn.

Speakers at the ceremony included NYCHA Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye, CUNY Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Chris Rosa, President of the Fund for Public Housing Rasmia Kirmani-Frye, Jeffrey Levine, Mawuli Hormeku, and Tischelle George, Senior Advisor to NYCHA’s Executive Vice President for Community Engagement and Partnerships.