2026 Civic engagement ScHOLARSHIP

The Eleanor Roosevelt Independent Democrats Club (ERID) is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for eligible NYC high school students! ERID is the official Democratic club for Parts B and D of New York State's 74th Assembly District, which include the neighborhoods of Union Square, Gramercy, Flatiron, Kips Bay, Murray Hill, Flatiron District, Tudor City, Turtle Bay, and Midtown East.

ERID will award two $500 scholarships to high school seniors attending New York City public high schools, with priority given to those schools within the boundaries of Manhattan’s Assembly District 74, Parts B and D. See below for a list of priorty schools. The scholarship program is aimed at encouraging civic engagement by local youth.  

Scholarships:

Two $500 scholarships will be awarded by ERID, to be paid by check to scholarship winners in one lump sum in April 2026.

Eligible students are high school seniors who:

  • Attend a NYC public high school, with priority given to those schools within Manhattan’s Assembly District 74, Parts B and D. See below for a list of priority schools.

  • Have a plan for attending a post-secondary program (two- or four-year college or work-based program).  

  • There is no minimum GPA or financial needs requirement for this scholarship, although priority will be given to students who live in Manhattan’s Assembly District 74, Parts B and D.

Students must complete the form (linked below) and submit an original response to the following essay question (maximum of 1,000 words):

“Why is it important to be involved in civic organizations or activities at a local level?

Describe what your engagement has been and why you believe that engagement has contributed to your community.”

Electronic submissions will be due to ERID on or before January 30, 2026. A committee of three ERID members will read each submission and select the two winners.  Criteria will include completeness of submission and quality and of essay response.

Scholarship winners will be notified by March 6, 2026.  Awardees and a guest will be invited to ERID’s annual brunch to be held in April 2026.

School Staff:  Please share details on this scholarship opportunity with your students.  Have them submit their application via ERID’s website  before January 30, 2026.

Priority Schools: Academy for Software Engineering, American Sign Language & English Secondary School, Baruch College Campus HS, Gramercy Arts High School, High School for Health Professions and Human Services, High School for Language and Diplomacy, Institute for Collaborative Education, International High School at Union Square, Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School, Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School and School of the Future

Scholarship Application

Any questions?  Contact us at eridscholarship@gmail.com  Thank you!