Applying for the President's Challenge Scholarship

Instructions & Eligibility

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors from our local community and beyond, the President’s Challenge Scholarship assists first-generation Ulster County high school students with overcoming financial barriers associated with attending college. Students are identified in eighth grade by their sponsoring school district and receive college coaching and readiness preparation through the completion of high school. Upon graduation, students can attend SUNY Ulster tuition-free for two years!

 

Program Criteria

To apply, students must be in 8th grade. Students must also be first-generation college students, have an 80% cumulative GPA (75% in their four core classes – English, math, science and social studies) and have an 85% or better attendance record in school with minimal discipline infractions or have a strong recommendation from a teacher or school administrator. Preference is given to students with economic need.

Application and Selection Process

  • Applicants must submit an application and essay prior to the deadline set by the school district, which is typically in the spring of a student’s 8th-grade year.
  • Each school reviews the application materials and identifies the top 10 candidates for their district.
  • These candidates are invited to participate in a brief interview at the high school or online with members of the school district and SUNY Ulster.
  • Five scholarship recipients are selected after the interview process.
  • Recipients are notified shortly before their Moving-Up Ceremony in June.
  • PCS recipients participate in activities on the SUNY Ulster Campus and at their school district starting in 9th grade and throughout high school to support college readiness.

PCS Student Experience

PCS College Coach (comprised of the SUNY Ulster Enrollment and Success

Center team) and a Club Advisor at their home school district. Coaches are assigned to support PCS students from participating high schools and meet with students on campus and at the schools. In addition to motivating students to remain on the college-bound track, the PCS College Coach will assist with college readiness skills like academic planning, communication, and career exploration, as well as other engagement and growth opportunities as the program expands. The Club Advisor meets regularly with students while working closely with SUNY Ulster’s College Coach and President’s Challenge Scholarship Program Coordinator on the student experience and support needs. The Club Advisor offers another level of consistent mentoring for students within the schools and allows students to engage with fellow recipients constructively.

The scholarship awarding process for 2024 has closed. Congratulations to those students selected! Applications for 8th-grade students for the 24-25 school year will open in April 2025. For more information, please contact your school counselor or the PCS Program Coordinator, Nancy Clarke, by phone at 845.688.1927 or by email at clarken@sunyulster.edu