The Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship Program is designed to direct aid to undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic achievement and overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates will contribute to the diversity of the student body by demonstrating their commitment to facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and/or activities.

Eligibility Language Requirements

To participate in the ESDHSP, candidates are required to:

1. Be U.S. citizens or permanent resident status, 
2. Be a New York State Resident and
3. Demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education.
4. Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and/or campus activities.

Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. 

Preference will be given to candidates who are:

From a low-income background (e.g., Pell-eligible as undergraduates), were first-generation college students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree), have overcome adversity, are AmeriCorps alumni, or are veterans.

The Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship Program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.