Program Overview
The Gloria E. Anzaldúa Binational Scholarship Program is an initiative by The CUNY Mexican Studies Institute in partnership with CFE International, the Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, the Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón, the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente.  The mission of this program is to play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the complex binational problems between the United States and Mexico, particularly in the areas of energy, human rights, and the environment. In the energy context, collaboration between the two countries is essential to ensure a stable and sustainable supply, while socio-territorial research provides a detailed overview of the challenges and opportunities in this field.  Regarding human rights, analytical perspectives coming from  the complexity of migrant rights, labor rights, migratory processes, and/or socio-territorial studies  are particularly fitting for the challenges of the border relationship and the dynamics of displacement and insertion, and, by extension, for the construction of more equitable societies based on respect for the dignity and rights of migrants and receiving communities. Finally, in environmental matters, binational collaboration based on socio-territorial studies is essential to address transboundary problems, such as pollution and the sustainable management of natural resources in the context of the challenges posed by climate change trends. In summary, socio-territorial frameworks are indispensable tools for building bridges of understanding and cooperation between the United States and Mexico, effectively addressing issues that are critical to both nations. 
 
Award Amount
Up to $26,000 to CUNY Master’s degree students to cover two years of tuition, plus a $500 stipend each semester for research purposes.
 
The Gloria E. Anzaldúa Binational Scholarship  features:

• A series of seminars taught by faculty from both U.S. and Mexican universities;
• Opportunity for collaboration with graduate students from Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, the Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón, the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente;
• Access to prominent CUNY alumni, faculty, and staff;
• Individual Mentorship.
         

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be accepted in any Master’s degree program at ANY CUNY campus;
• Scholarly interests should align with the binational framework described in the Program Overview;
• Fall 2024 must be the first semester of enrollment, aiming to conclude in Spring 2026;
• Must be enrolled full-time all semesters;
• Must demonstrate significant financial need;
• Open regardless of immigration status & nationality;
• Openness to share experiences and accomplishments to inspire other students.

Demonstrated commitment to the Mexican and/or immigrant community. 
 
Master’s degree programs criteria:
Applicants are to be enrolled in any Master’s degree program offered at a CUNY campus including but not limited to the following: Human Rights, Digital Humanities, Earth & Environmental Science, International Migration Studies, Journalism/Journalism in Spanish with a focus on International Reporting, Labor Studies, Liberal Studies with a focus on a topic related to the program overview above (Mexico-U.S.), Media Studies, Political Science with a focus on International Relations/Affairs, Comparative Politics, Globalization, Urban Studies, Civil Engineering, Environmental Structure Transportation, Electrical Engineering.
 
Conditions of the fellowship for applicants:
Failure to comply with the following conditions may result in the suspension or revocation of fellowship award and future eligibility. Students who are awarded the fellowship will be expected to:

• Maintain a full-time status.  This status is defined by their degree program to fulfill the criteria of full-time;
• Remain in good academic standing and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0;
• Participate in a monthly Seminar on Binational Topics;
• Student’s conducted research should  align with the overview description of the program.         

How to Apply:

• Submit online application;
•  Upload required documents:
  - Most recent transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
  - One essay, 1000-word max (see below for details) 
           - Resume (pdf format)
           - 1 Recommendation Letter (pdf format) 
• List your recommender on your application;
• Contact your recommender to submit your recommendation letter (link can be
  found below);
• Submit your completed application for review (expect an automatic confirmation email after successfully submitting your application).

We encourage you to start your online application as soon as possible. You will be able to save your application and continue later. Late applications will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Important Dates:

• July 9th, 2024: Application Opens!
• August 6th, 2024: 11:59PM. EST- Application Closes.
• August 6th, 2024: 11:59PM. EST- Recommendation Letter Deadline.
• August 20th  2024: Semifinalists Interview
• August 21st 2024: Awardees Notified.

APPLY HERE

ONLINE RECOMMENDATION FORM
 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Your essay of 1000-words must be written using the following prompt:

Provide a Personal Statement that conveys the applicants’ motivation for acquiring a master’s degree in their field and how The Gloria E. Anzaldua Scholarship will help them achieve their goals. The applicants should also convey what economic factors are limiting them from pursuing their educational and professional aspirations. Finally, the applicants should convey how their field of study relates to understanding and resolving the complex binational problems between the United States and Mexico, particularly in the areas of energy, human rights, and the environment. This essay should not exceed 1000 words.

One Recommendation letter

Your recommendation letter will be submitted electronically by your recommender. A recommendation letter may be written from someone who knows you well and has served in one of these roles for you: a teacher, counselor, mentor, coach, employer, community leader, or religious leader. Your reference must be at least 21 years of age and must not be related to you. Recommenders will be notified by email by the applicant. Recommendations must submit their letter online on or before August 6th, 2024 11:59PM EST.

 
Updated Resume

Upload the most recent version in pdf format.
 

Transcript

Unofficial transcripts are accepted in application.