New York Times College Scholarship Program

The New York Times College Scholarship Program was established in 1999. When The Times announced the five winners and told their remarkable life stories, a flood of contributions came from readers. There was enough money to expand the ranks to 21 winners that year.  The program eventually provided scholarships for 20 Times Scholars each year.

Times Scholars, 234 strong, attend schools all over the country (68 from coast to coast). Many have attended medical or law schools, or entered graduate programs in engineering or science. Still others have started careers in teaching, finance and social service agencies.

Each student receives a four-year college scholarship, mentoring and summer employment. To make a donation, click here.

Who is Eligible

Current high school seniors who attend a public, parochial or private school in New York City and who have demonstrated:

• Outstanding academic achievement (top 10% or equivalent of the high school graduating class)
• A commitment to learning and community service• Success in the face of adversity
• Significant financial needPreference will be given to students whose parents have not graduated from accredited American four-year colleges or universities.

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.

What Scholarship Winners Will Receive

Up to eight high school seniors will be selected to receive four-year scholarships for a maximum of $7,500 annually to attend any nationally accredited four-year college to which they have been admitted for full-time study. Students will also receive a summer internship at The New York Times, educational and job counseling, mentoring, cultural experiences and a laptop. The students will receive their scholarship funding from public contributions and an endowment fund, supported primarily by a gift from the Starr Foundation. The scholarships may be used to pay tuition, room and board, fees and other educational expenses. Each scholarship will be renewable annually for up to four years of study as long as the student maintains a good academic record and makes normal progress toward a degree.

How to Apply

Applications may be obtained at NYTimes.com/scholarship.

We suggest that you make and keep a copy of your completed application form for future reference.Applications will be judged by staff members of The New York Times, professional educators and others.

Deadline is October.