YES!

The Awards Committee strongly encourages all eligible students to apply.  Even if you have applied before and did not receive an award, we encourage you to try again.  

Statements from Past Winners

"I want to encourage all other CWE students to apply for the awards. Often we think that we might not get something so we don't even try! The only way you will 100% not win an award, is if you don't apply. Everyone I have met a CWE is deserving of a scholarship and should consider themselves a competitive candidate."

 - Gabrielle Rodriguez, 2021 SAMUEL WALLACH ’29 AWARD FOR EDUCATORS

"CWE awards and scholarships are meant to assist and facilitate our academic journey with one less stressor."

- Josheline Pena, 2021 MICHAEL WELLNER (“CAPTAIN MIKE”) SCHOLARSHIP

"CWE offers two different merit-based scholarships for writing. I have always loved to write but wasn’t always sure of my abilities. I am proud to say I have been a recipient of both writing awards during the course of my time at CWE. These awards serve as not just a welcome financial boost but also something much bigger than that: permission and encouragement to pursue a true passion. While the financial aspect of it is great, the feeling of accomplishment and pride that I felt receiving them was priceless."

- Melinda Diaz, 2021 EDWARD RIVERA PRIZE FOR AUTOBIOGRAPHY

"The CWE Awards and Scholarships are a wonderful resource to support students of all backgrounds in achieving our academic goals. No student should have to interrupt their studies due to financial hardship, and the CWE Awards and Scholarships make it possible for scholars to overcome economic challenges to continue on their academic journey."

- Derrick L. Middleton, 2021 DEAN & WILLIAM MATZKIN SCHOLARSHIP

"I hope everyone will take a little time out to apply for the CWE Awards. They are attainable. Don't let perfectionism stop you. You are completely unique--share your ideas and your work!"

- Hilary C. Butler, 2021 DEAN & WILLIAM MATZKIN SCHOLARSHIP

"Forget about perfection, just do things. When you just do, you're already ahead of the person that didn't even try. "  

- Vivian Ramos, 2020 QUEST Scholarship

“Persist instead of resist and life will come to you.”

- Michelle Caines, 2020 Dean and William Matzkin Scholarship

"There will be days when you feel like giving up, don't. Eventually, you'll be glad you didn't." 

- Sandra Serrano, 2020 Dean and William Matzkin Scholarship; 2020 Matthew Amberg Scholarship

"Feel the rhythm and keep up the tempo." 

-Rachel Harris, 2020 Robert Hartmann Scholarship

"Applying for the CWE scholarships and awards has benefited me in many ways while a student at CWE and now as an alumni. Being recognized for my talent in writing as a student opened doors to opportunities I was not aware of as well as with faculty and professors I had not known or taken courses with. Making these connections was greatly beneficial for me as I sought advice on job placement and graduate school pursuits. As an alumni, being recognized as the winner of several competitive awards serve as great evidence when pitching my skillset in writing to employers. I also now have an archive of sample writings to submit for applications and other programs and/or scholarships I may apply to in the future. Lastly, the most important benefit of applying for CWE scholarships and awards was finally finding the courage to get my writing out. Most of my submissions were essays and short stories that I never intended for others to read. Actually winning awards for these writings was a major confidence boost and I must admit being positively recognized for my contributions to academia has transformed my own self-perception of my intellect." 

- Hadiyah Harrison, 2020 Ada Shepard Award for Creative Writing; 2020 Barbara Aronson CWE Social Justice Award

“If it weren’t for the opportunity to apply for scholarships, I wouldn’t be able to afford college. The CWE is also where I met my mentor and professors who encouraged me to apply.” 

- Myra Rosa, 2020 Eugene Bellin Award; 2020 Peter Cott and Ken Leedom Memorial Scholarship

“If at first you try and don’t get the juice, GO AGANE.”  

- Darren Taraza, 2020 Albert A. Blum Award; 2020 Sol Chaiken Award

FAQs

1) May I apply for multiple awards?

Yes!  You may apply for as many awards/scholarships for which you are eligible; however, each award or scholarship may require its own online application materials. Please note the following:

• Please follow the submission requirements for each application carefully.

• You must use your Citymail address on your application(s).

• We will verify your GPA eligibility and your financial eligibility where applicable.

2) When will I find out if I won?

All winners will be notified via Citymail prior to the start of Summer/Fall registration.  All winners should plan to attend the Awards Ceremony.

3)  If I win, will it affect my financial aid?

Receipt of an award/scholarship may affect the amount of any state and federal aid for which you are eligible. In addition, if you owe money to the College, your award/scholarship will be applied to your outstanding balance. Scholarships will apply to the next Fall tuition.  Final award amounts may vary occasionally from those listed.  In some cases, awards/scholarships may be divided among applicants.