Opportunities Fund

In addition to receiving a full undergraduate tuition scholarship, as a University Scholar you can apply to access a $7500 grant from the Macaulay Opportunities Fund that can be applied to a wide range of programs in New York City and around the world. Supported by the generous contributions of corporations, foundations, and individual donors, these funds will enhance your academic experience and facilitate your intellectual development. The Opportunities Fund is a valuable learning tool, assisting you in connecting your academic experience to your future life and career. Additionally, the grant application process will help train you for applying to prestigious fellowships, scholarships, and graduate and professional schools.

What does the Opportunities Fund grant support?

Study Abroad

You may use the Opportunities Fund to complete part of your college program in another country or, in certain circumstances, in another part of the United States

Internships / Undergraduate Research

You may use the Opportunities Fund to cover the cost of an internship or undergraduate research project that is unpaid and for which you do not receive academic credit.

Fieldwork

You may request funding for credit-bearing and paid internships/fieldwork that takes place away or abroad.

Service Learning and Service Programs

You may apply to use the Opportunities Fund to participate in a project consisting of national/international volunteering or a credit-bearing academic course that combines academic instruction with a service component.

Academic Conferences

You may apply for funding to attend one approved academic conference even if you are participating only as an observer. A second conference may be funded if you are an active contributor.

Honors Project Experiences

You may use the Opportunities Fund for travel, fieldwork, and other activities related to your honors research, senior thesis, or senior project.

Professional Development

You may request funding for professional development activities such as attending workshops or courses relating to your academic/professional goals that are not offered at any of the CUNY Colleges.

Graduate Education

You may request funding for graduate and professional school application fees.

Licensing and Graduate Education Exams

You may request funding for exams, such as GREs, or LSATs, exam review courses, or licensing exams relating to your major that are taken during your tenure as a University Scholar.

Important Points to Consider

  • Extended study abroad may entail substantial costs--so you should consider "banking" your funds in order to maximize your activities. Depending on the activity, you may need to apply for supplemental funding sources for certain activities, such as long-term study abroad.
  • Consider your academic goals carefully before you apply to access the Opportunities Fund. Speak with your Honors Advisor before you submit an application. Your Advisor will assist you in choosing your activities and writing a successful grant proposal.
  • You must complete and pass the Opportunities Fund online quiz at least once before submitting an Opportunities Fund application.
  • You may apply to access the Opportunities Fund twice a year during designated Access Periods.
  • Opportunities Funds may only be used for items or activities as approved by the Opportunities Fund Committee. If you anticipate a change in the purpose of approved funds, you must contact your advisor and the University Scholarship Coordinator immediately. Any funds used for items or activities not approved by the Committee must be returned, and you will be responsible for costs incurred. For more on the Opportunities Fund, including eligibility, funded activities, applications steps, approval steps, please print an overview using the button below.

Opportunities Fund Overview
Opportunities Fund Applications
Opportunities Fund Quiz
Sample Statements

Study Abroad

Universities Attended

University of Oxford, London School of Economics, Rhodes University, University of Cambridge, Colegio de España, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Shanghai University, Bar-Ilan University, and the Arabic Language Institute.

Countries Visited

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, and Thailand.

Internships

United Nations Department of Public Information, Acadia National Park, American Ballet Theatre, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Feminist Press at CUNY, Pew Institute for Ocean Science, and Cornell Medical Center.

Service Program Locations

Ghana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala Honduras, Israel, New Orleans and South Dakota

Conferences Attended

Annual Biomedical Conference for Minority Students, International Conference on Robotics and Mechatronics, Association for Research on Mothering, National Association of Black Accountants, the American Society for Cell Biology, and the Democratic National Convention.

Licensing and Graduate Education

Preparation courses and fees for the GRE, LSAT, PCAT, MCAT, GMAT, and graduate school applications.

Questions?

For questions pertaining to the Opportunities Fund, contact the University Scholarship Coordinator, Veronica Feliciano, at 212-729-2949 or veronica.feliciano@mhc.cuny.edu