The Kessler Scholars Program at Cornell University is made possible through the generosity of the Wilpon Family and provides four years of support to exceptional Cornell students who are among the first in their family to attend college and are low/limited-income. The Kessler Scholarship is renewable for four years (eight semesters) and provides students with the opportunity to become actively engaged members of the Cornell community as students and future alumni. The vibrant community offers:
Individualized Support:
One-on-One Student Meetings
Peer Mentorship
Career Coaching
Cohort Activities:
Specialized Workshops
Leadership and Professional Development Skill Building
Community Social
Transformative Experiences:
Professional development retreats
Cultural and career-focused excursions
Immersive trips that support social responsibility and community-engaged learning.
Peer Mentorship:
Peer-to-Peer support
Social Events for bonding
Uncovering the hidden curriculum of higher education
Signature Events:
Kessler Community Kickoff Weekend after New Student Orientation
Challenge Coin Ceremony – induction ceremony for first- year students attended by Cornell leadership and upper-level Kessler Scholars
Presentation of Stoles – graduation ceremony for seniors
Financial Support:
Cornell University meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted undergraduates, and students with low-income backgrounds receive no-loan aid offers with zero expected family contributions. Building on that commitment, the Cornell Kessler Scholars Program addresses gaps that persist beyond the standard financial aid cost of attendance, specifically those that hinder access to high-impact practices such as internships, conferences, or study away opportunities. Each scholar receives a $1,500 Kessler Grant annually, paired with a reduced $3,500 work-study award (standard is $5,000).
Learn more about the Kessler Scholars Program
What do Kessler Scholars at Cornell receive as part of the program?
A transformative cohort-based community focused on academic, professional and social support. A scholarship that covers the cost of Cornell University’s summer expectation. Peer and professional mentorships and service opportunities to help you grow and thrive.
Annual $1,500 Kessler Scholarship until graduation + other financial benefits through unique programming.
1:1 advising, peer mentorship, and career coaching
Immersive trips and leadership development
Access to research, internships, and alumni networks
Is Cornell the only university that offers the Kessler Scholars Program?
The Kessler Scholars Program at Cornell is part of a growing national Kessler Scholars Collaborative. Together, these schools are transforming the undergraduate experience for first-generation college students. Students who join the Kessler Scholars Program are part of a powerful network of first-generation leaders connected across multiple institutions throughout their undergraduate college experience and beyond.
How do you become a Kessler Scholar?
Incoming first-year undergraduate Cornellians who meet certain criteria and are First-Generation and Low-Income college students are invited to submit an application for the Kessler Scholars Program. The selection committee chooses 20 new Kessler Scholars each year to join the cohort.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the Kessler Scholars Program, you must:
Identify as first-generation (parents/guardians have not completed a 4-year degree)
Have demonstrated financial need (as determined by Cornell Financial Aid)
Demonstrate a commitment to academic success and community engagement
Will commit to the engagement requirements of set by the Kessler Foundation
How are Kessler Scholars selected?
All Kessler Scholars are selected based upon their demonstrated academic accomplishments, sustained community engagement, financial need, and status as a first-generation college student. Staff from the Centers of Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging and select campus partners, review your admissions applications and records of achievement, specifically seeking:
High academic and personal accomplishments
Sustained community engagement and leadership skills
The ability to overcome adversity and barriers
Potential to contribute to and benefit from the diverse Kessler Scholars community
What is required once in the program?
Kessler Scholars you are required to:
Maintain full-time enrollment of at least 12 credit hours in fall and spring terms
Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Participate in community service opportunities each academic year
Attend monthly Kessler Scholars workshops to foster academic and professional growth
Participate in the first year Peer Mentor Program
Participate in transformative experiences through an internship, travel abroad, employment, or research experiences over the summer.
All students selected for the Kessler Presidential Scholarship will be notified between June- July prior to the start of their first year and will be advised of next steps to accept the award.
