Meinig Scholars are members of a select group, representing less than two percent of the University's undergraduate population. Scholars come to know that their time at Cornell is a journey.

As a Meinig Scholar, you have the opportunity to take advantage of some of the following benefits:

• Leadership Support Account
  Meinig Scholars have access to up to $3,500 over their undergraduate Cornell career to cover the costs of their participation in internships and other experiential opportunities such as alternative breaks trips designed to expose students to leadership activities.

• CCO Empowerment Funds
  The CCO Empowerment Funds provide an opportunity for students to access funding to offset costs associated with activities that may not fall within their specific program expectations but align with The Cornell Commitment’s values of service, leadership, and research. 

  • Funding can be used for such things as:
  • transportation costs associated with volunteering at organizations within the local/Ithaca community (limited to $200/semester)
  • attendance at a conference that is not directly related to your program’s value
  • costs associated with experiences not covered by your program support account but is still related to one of the other Cornell Commitment program values

  Questions should be directed to Kris Deluca, kd15@cornell.edu,  before any purchase or commitment of funds is made. Funding will be provided in advance for costs associated with approved experiences. Funds are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis and are not guaranteed. Like the Support Account funding, freshmen cannot use these funds for your summer between freshman and sophomore year.  Additional information provided within the on-line application.

• Scholarship Awards
  Meinig Scholars with demonstrated financial need will receive a $4,000/year scholarship which increases total grant aid and reduces self-help aid such as loans, summer savings, or work.  This scholarship comes with the honor of the Meinig Family Cornell National Scholarship and access to our donors through program-sponsored events.
• Executive Mentoring Program
  Meinig Scholars develop long-term mentoring relationships with university administrators that often extend well past graduation. Past mentors have included university presidents, provosts, deans, and directors. They enjoy getting to know their Meinig Scholars personally, sharing a lifetime of leadership experience. Mentors regularly organize informal outings with their students including anything from dinner to rock climbing. 
• Freshman Forum
  All freshman Meinig Scholars are expected to participate in this year-long experience. During the first semester, students are engaged in teambuilding and educational initiatives intended to foster identity as a community of leaders. During the second semester, students examine and address an issue of relevance to the Cornell community in the form of a group project. In working with Cornell administrators to achieve this end, Meinig Scholars simultaneously hone their leadership and communication skills while affecting positive change. 
• Executive Board
  Meinig Scholars can apply to be members of the Executive Board annually. The Board works with the program director to sponsor leadership, social, and educational opportunities for MFCNS students. Executive Board members also advise the MFCNS staff on areas of interest to Scholars and serve as ambassadors of the program. 
• MFCNS Online
  MFCNS maintains an up-to-date, interactive website at commitment.cornell.edu. Additionally, weekly email messages via MFCNS-L will help keep students current on program happenings, as well as special opportunities unique to members. 
• Connect with a Community of Leaders
  Relationships Scholars develop with one another and with the Scholars who came before them add richness to the MFCNS experience. Social networking, visits from alumni, and special events promote connections between students and alumni who have lived the Cornell experience and have applied it to the world beyond.
• Invite-only Events
  Students have the opportunity to participate in invite-only events held on Cornell’s campus. In past years, this has included guest presentations on basic financial literacy fundamentals and Gallup StrengthsFinder, an assessment tool to identify leadership strengths.  Each year, alumni return to campus and meet with students one-on-one and in small groups to talk about their careers.
• Feeney Days of Service
  To honor the Cornell Commitment’s most generous donor, Chuck Feeney, The Cornell Commitment hosts the “Feeney Days of Service,” prior to the start of the spring semester. This annual event provides students a 4-day opportunity to support organizations within and around the City of Ithaca (with housing provided). Past examples of service projects have included (but aren’t limited to) painting a community space at a retirement center; providing warehouse assistance at a second-hand store; and cleaning classrooms at a K-8 school. Cornell Commitment students who are interested in participating or have questions about this experience should contact Jacinta Stark, jj87@cornell.edu.
• The Cornell Commitment Showcase
  This  virtual fall event brings together freshmen from all three Cornell Commitment programs to learn from upperclassmen who have engaged in research, service, and internships at Cornell and around the world. 

Please refer to the Policies page for information on how to receive the benefits associated with the special designation of MFCNS.