R-SIRUS Sustainability Scholarship

R-SIRUS Sustainability Scholarship

The R-SIRUS Sustainability Scholarship recognizes and supports exceptional undergraduate and graduate students at The City College of New York (CCNY) in all disciplines who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and a deep commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, education, community service, or policy engagement.

Each year, two R-SIRUS scholarships will be awarded:

  • One Undergraduate Scholarship
  • One Graduate Scholarship

Purpose

The scholarships aim to foster a new generation of leaders dedicated to sustainable development by encouraging scholarly excellence, innovation, and community impact in alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled full-time at The City College of New York.
  • Have a strong academic record.
  • Demonstrate a clear commitment to one or more of the SDGs through their studies, research, or community activities.
  • Exhibit leadership potential and a dedication to advancing sustainability locally or globally.

Scholarship Award

Each selected student will receive up to $5,000 (depending on availability of funds), which may be used for tuition, stipends, or travel to academic or professional conferences.

Recipients will be recognized at the annual R-SIRUS Sustainability Awards Ceremony and may be invited to present their work at CCNY or partner institutions.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials in a single PDF file:

  1. Scholarship Application Form  
  2. Letter of Application (maximum 2 pages) describing:
  • Academic background and achievements
  • Interest in UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • How your work contributes to sustainability and social impact
  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Unofficial Transcript (official transcript may be requested if selected)
  3. Essay (up to 750 words) addressing:
    “How does your academic, research, or community engagement advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals?”
  4. Two Letters of Recommendation (at least one from a CCNY faculty member familiar with the applicant’s work)

Submission

Email your complete application package (all documents in one PDF file) to:
UNU-Hub@ccny.cuny.edu by May 10, 2026
Subject line: R-SIRUS Scholarship Application – [Undergraduate/Graduate]

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of CCNY faculty and UNU sustainability leaders. Selection is based on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and SDGs
  • Quality of essay and recommendations
  • Leadership and service record

Contact

For questions, please contact:
Karin Sjöstrand: ksjoestrand@ccny.cuny.edu
City College of New York – UNU-Hub R-SIRUS