2026/2027 Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders College Scholarship

Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders

2026/2027 College Scholarship Application
1. College of Choice Scholarship
Description: BCYL offers a one-time contribution towards qualified students’ tuition. The amount of this contribution is contingent upon BCYL's fiscal condition and market dynamics. This contribution is made directly to the educational institution on behalf of the student.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be attending or entering a two- or four-year accredited college/university in the same academic year as a full-time student.

Must be accepted and enrolled at the designated college/university.

2. Miguel Ayala Scholarship Overview
The Miguel Ayala Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for current and former students of Bassick, Central, and Harding High Schools in the Bridgeport Public School system. This scholarship, established to honor Miguel Ayala’s legacy of community service and leadership, supports eligible BCYL participants in pursuing higher education, trade school, or career training programs.

Key Details:

Eligibility: Applicants must be 22 years old or younger, with a minimum of three years of participation in a BCYL program and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Purpose: Provides financial assistance strictly for tuition costs, distributed evenly across fall and spring semesters.

Requirements: Includes full-time enrollment, volunteer commitment with BCYL, letters of recommendation, and an essay submission.

Impact: Designed to empower students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Celebrate the legacy of Miguel Ayala while taking a step toward a brighter future. Apply today to join the ranks of scholars inspired by his commitment to community and leadership.

3. Ezequiel Santiago Scholarship
Description: This scholarship provides an annual contribution towards a qualified student’s undergraduate degree tuition for up to four years. Funds are distributed evenly across the fall and spring semesters.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be attending or entering a four-year accredited college/university in the same academic year as a full-time student.

Must maintain continuous full-time enrollment without breaks.

Required to sign a waiver allowing the release of academic information to BCYL upon request.

4. University of Bridgeport Tuition Only Scholarship
Description: A Trustee Scholarship, valued up to $20,000 per year for up to four years, is awarded to eligible students. This scholarship cannot be combined with other grants or scholarships from the University of Bridgeport.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a 12th-grade student or a community college graduate entering the University of Bridgeport in the same academic year.

Must meet UB's academic requirements to maintain the scholarship.

5. Sacred Heart University (SHU) Tuition Only Scholarship
Description: Eligible BCYL students receive a tuition reduction of 50% at SHU. If a student’s SHU merit-based grants/scholarships amount to a 50% reduction, SHU will offer a BCYL-SHU Grant of up to $2,500, matched by BCYL.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have a GPA of 3.0 or greater in the same academic year.

Must be accepted as a full-time undergraduate student at SHU.

6. Eastern CT State University (ECSU) Tuition Only Scholarship
Description: ECSU will match the BCYL College Scholarship award amount up to $2,500, subject to financial aid regulations. Scholarships are awarded annually and distributed evenly across semesters.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a 12th-grade student or community college graduate entering ECSU in the same academic year.

Must meet BCYL and ECSU academic requirements each school year.
Additional Eligibility Requirements (Applies to All Scholarships):
• Complete the entire application, indicating “not applicable” where necessary.
• Submit a letter of acceptance from the designated school(s).
• Provide two letters of recommendation from teachers.
• Submit two essays as specified in the application.
• Complete and submit the FAFSA application by March 01, 2026.

• Attend a personal interview independently.
• Be present at the awards presentation ceremony to receive the award.

• Minimum three-year participation in a BCYL program.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA or higher based on the designated school’s requirements.
• Good standing with BCYL and School.
• Commitment to contribute a minimum of 20 volunteer hours with BCYL annually

Application Deadline: March 01, 2026
Scholarship type:
Scholarship Criteria
• Based on financial need, academic accomplishment, and involvement in BCYL.
• Strictly for tuition costs.
• Non-transferable and cannot be combined with other BCYL scholarships.
• Eligibility for students in two-year community colleges to apply for four-year scholarships upon graduation.

Please submit the completed application and required documents to the BCYL Office, 595 Madison Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
I am applying for one of the following Scholarships
High School Name
Guidance Counselor Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
GPA:
Class Rank
Out of
STUDENT INFORMATION
Name

First NameLast Name
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Date of Birth:

MonthDayYear
Date
Home Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Cellular Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
How many years did you participate in BCYL Programming
What BCYL Programs did you participate In?

Student applicant give a description of your Extracurricular Activities/Community Service/BCYL Involvement/Honor Programs

	Description	From:	To:
1
2
3
4
5

PARENT INFORMATION
Father First Name:
Father Last Name:
Address

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code
Home Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Cellular Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email Address:
example@example.com
Occupation:
Mother First Name:
Mother Last Name:
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Home Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Cellular Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email Address:
example@example.com
Occupation:
Guardian First Name:
Guardian Last Name:
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Home Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Cellular Telephone:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email Address:
example@example.com
Occupation:
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Please provide total annual family income. Be sure to include all income – including alimony, child support, veteran’s pension, social security benefits, and state / federal public assistance programs

Under $10,000$30,001 - $40,000$10,001 - $15,000$40,001 - $50,000$15,001 - $20,000$50,001 - $60,000$20,001 - $30,000$60,001 or Greater
Number of people dependent on this income:
Please make known to the Committee any extenuating circumstances.
Estimate the following expenses and income for your first full academic year.

	Estimated Expenses:
Tuition
Books & Supplies
Clothing/Uniform
Transportation
Total

Total

	Estimated Expenses:
Scholarships
Grants
Student Loans
Other

Total
If your expenses exceed your income, how do you plan to meet your expenses?
Essay Instructions
As part of your application for the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL) scholarships, you are required to submit two essays. These essays are your opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
Mandatory First Essay Topic
• Topic: How do you plan to contribute to your community in the future and make a positive impact on others?
• Purpose: Reflect on your personal goals and how they align with community betterment.

Second Essay Topic (Choose One)
• Significant Experience or Achievement: Share a significant event in your life, an accomplishment you're proud of, a risk you've taken, or an ethical dilemma you've faced. Discuss its impact on your personal growth.
• Issue of Importance: Discuss an issue that holds personal, local, national, or international significance to you. Explain why it matters to you and how it shapes your perspective.
• Influential Person: Write about someone who has significantly influenced your life. This could be a mentor, family member, historical figure, etc. Describe their impact on your development.
• Influential Work: Describe how a fictional character, historical figure, or creative work (art, music, science, etc.) has influenced you. Explain the nature of this influence.

Essay Guidelines
• Length: Each essay must be a minimum of 250 words.
• Format: Essays should be typewritten and attached to your application.
• Submission: Ensure both essays are included in your application packet.

Application Checklist
To complete your application for the BCYL scholarships, please ensure you include all of the following items:
• Completed Application Form: Submit by March 1, 2026
• Recent Photo: Attach a current photograph.
• Letters of Recommendation: Include two letters from your teachers.
• Personal Statement: Share your aspirations and motivations.
• Acceptance Letter: Provide a letter of acceptance or a statement indicating your application is in progress from your designated school(s).
• Essays: Attach two essays as specified above.
• Latest Report Card: Include a copy of your most recent report card.
Write 1st Essay
Write 2nd Essay
Upload recommendations, grades, or report cards

Cancelof
Upload Photo

Cancelof
Signature

Clear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders

Additional Eligibility Requirements (Applies to All Scholarships):

Scholarship Criteria

SCHOOL INFORMATION

I am applying for one of the following Scholarships

STUDENT INFORMATION

PARENT INFORMATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION