General Reynolds FAQ
Undergraduate Scholarship FAQ
Graduate Fellowship FAQ
General Reynolds FAQ
What is Social Entrepreneurship?
Social Entrepreneurship is a form of leadership that maximizes the social return on public service efforts while fundamentally and permanently changing the way problems are addressed on a global scale. Social Entrepreneurs employ a wide variety of creative approaches and practices from diverse academic backgrounds, artistic disciplines, and professional sectors in order to develop and implement pattern-breaking solutions for previously intractable social problems in ways that are sustainable and scalable to a larger population.
What is the NYU Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Program in Social Entrepreneurship?
The Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Program in Social Entrepreneurship is designed to attract, encourage, and train a new generation of leaders. Each year, the program will expose a highly selective group of graduate and undergraduate students from throughout NYU to the cross-disciplinary skills, experiences, and networking opportunities needed to advance and support their efforts realize sustainable and scalable pattern-breaking solutions to society's most intractable problems.
The program will also bring the field of social entrepreneurship to the greater NYU community. All interested NYU students can take advantage of many of the program's resources, including access to influential leaders in the field, exposure to cutting-edge research and scholarship on social entrepreneurship, new classes, and the opportunity to participate in skill building activities and trainings.
What is the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation?
The mission of the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation is to help educate young people, to inspire them to believe in their power to make a difference as individuals, and to motivate them to reach their greatest potential as citizens and productive members of society.
Catherine B. Reynolds brings to the world of philanthropy the same energy and entrepreneurial spirit that ensured her success in the realm of commerce. As the leader of two businesses, Mrs. Reynolds created a new and affordable way for Americans to finance a college education. A bold, innovative thinker, she developed a privately-funded alternative to government student loan programs. Through her vision and perseverance, hundreds of thousands of Americans have been able to attend the college of their choice. In only one decade, this creative approach to private educational financing revolutionized student lending and spawned a multibillion-dollar industry of 65 lenders offering more than 200 financial products. Presently, Mrs. Reynolds devotes her time and abilities primarily to philanthropic pursuits as the creator and chairman of one of the largest foundations in the nation.
Undergraduate Scholarship FAQ
What does the Selection Committee look for?
Applicants should have the ability to think globally, an interest in solving large-scale problems, and the willingness to do the work - at all levels - that needs to be done to create and implement solutions to seemingly intractable social problems. Broadly speaking, the program attracts three types of changemakers; 1) those that have or are planning to develop an innovative idea to address a specific social problem in a pattern breaking, sustainable and scalable way, 2) those that will work in and/or build the infrastructure needed for social entrepreneurial work to take root, including individuals who will practice their profession in a social entrepreneurial organization (accountants, lawyers, etc.) and individuals who want to improve the operations and management systems of public, private and not for profit organizations, and 3) those who will bring action oriented awareness on a national and/or global scale to particular social problems through journalism, the arts, photography, film making, television production and other media avenues.
These roles are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and one individual can play multiple roles. Further, each role can be thought of having its own trajectory beginning with the desire to change the world, and ending with the implementation of a pattern breaking, sustainable and scalable idea or approach. Fellows and scholars can be at different points on these trajectories with some working to more fully develop an idea, while others may be ready to launch an idea, while still others may be ready to bring an already launched idea more fully to scale.
Regardless of the developmental stage of the idea or where an applicant is on their social entrepreneurial trajectory, appropriate candidates are academically accomplished individuals from a wide variety of disciplines who have a demonstrable heritage of concern for issues of social importance, have distinguished themselves as a potential changemaker, and are committed to continuing to dedicate themselves to addressing issues of social importance in pattern breaking, sustainable, and scalable ways.
Who is eligible to apply for the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship?
The Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is open to all full-time undergraduate students who will be completing their sophomore years in any school at NYU in May 2009, and are scheduled for May 2011 graduation.
Can part-time students apply?
No. Only full-time students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply.
Am I eligible for the program if I plan to graduate in fewer than two years from my start as a Reynolds Scholar?
No. The Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship in Social Entrepreneurship is a two-year program.
No. The Reynolds Program is looking for three types of changemakers: (1) Those that have launched, or have developed, or plan to develop a pattern- breaking idea that directly addresses an issue of social importance in sustainable and scalable ways; (2) Those that want to build, improve, and maintain the infrastructure needed for social entrepreneurial work to take root and flourish; and (3) Those that wish to spur others to action on a national and/or global scale through media and the arts.
Each of these roles has a trajectory. We are looking for candidates at many different points in their trajectory.
What is included in the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship?
At the very heart of the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Scholarship will be an unparalleled program to provide the best in undergraduate school training, education and co-curricular experiences to individuals interested in public service careers and social entrepreneurship. In addition to receiving up to $20,000 per year for each of the final two years of study and a stipend for a summer internship between junior and senior years, undergraduate scholars will take part in a full range of curricular and co-curricular activities and opportunities including:
- The "Social Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century" Speaker Series with influential leaders from various fields and special seminars with NYU and visiting faculty (6/year).
- A special, required credit-bearing course on social entrepreneurship taught by a member of the faculty at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. This course will allow students to explore a particular topic in social entrepreneurship from the various disciplinary and professional perspectives of the cohort members (1st semester, 2nd Reynolds year).
- Regularly scheduled workshops with the NYU Reynolds Expert Advisors (2-3/semester).
- Creating a program of study in his or her school that takes advantage of both school and university course offerings related to public service and social entrepreneurship.
- Summer internship between junior and senior year related to a specific area of interest in social entrepreneurship.
- Social gatherings such as dinners and receptions on issues pertaining to social entrepreneurship.
- Exposure to research, networking and capital development opportunities that will help the student ultimately realize their vision of change.
What are the coursework requirements for Reynolds Scholars?
Reynolds Scholars are required to take a special course on social entrepreneurship and public service through the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. There will also be an opportunity to take advantage of both school and university course offerings related to public service and social entrepreneurship.
How do I apply for the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship?
Applicants must submit the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship application and supporting documentation to their individual school(s).
What school should I submit my Reynolds Scholarship application to if I have a double major with one major outside of my school of enrollment?
Students with a double major should submit their Reynolds Scholarship application and supporting materials to their school of enrollment.
I am/will be receiving a separate NYU financial aid award. How will becoming a Reynolds Scholar impact an existing financial aid award?
Existing financial aid awards may be impacted by the Reynolds Scholarship award. The combined award will not be less than $20,000/year for each of the two years of study.
Do I need to supply any additional information to be considered for the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship?
Yes. In addition to submitting a completed Reynolds Scholarship application form, applicants must submit the following:
- Current resume that highlights your work and volunteer experience, all relevant extracurricular student activities, as well as any leadership roles you have had;
- Recent undergraduate transcript that includes Fall 08 grades (an unofficial copy is acceptable);
- Essay describing some previous experience where you have had the opportunity - working with others or alone - to participate in, design or create a strategy for tackling an issue of social importance;
- Biographical sketch;
- Brief (200 words or fewer) essays answering three Social Entrepreneurial questions; and,
- Two written references. We strongly recommend one reference comes from a faculty or staff member from within the NYU community, and one comes from an individual who can speak directly to your commitment to addressing issues of social importance.
How will I be notified if I have/have not been nominated as a semi-finalist?
Applicants will be notified of their nomination status via email by February 9, 2009.
How will I be notified if I have/have not been chosen as a finalist?
The Reynolds Program will notify semi-finalists via email of their status no later than February 13, 2009. Students studying abroad may be notified sooner.
If I am not available for an interview during the April 15-21, 2009 interview period, is it possible to do a telephone interview?
Yes. Phone interviews will only be permitted for those students studying abroad in the Spring 2009 semester.
I will be studying abroad during the Spring 2009 semester. Can I still apply?
Full-time degree students participating in a study abroad program during the Spring 2009 semester are eligible to apply for the Reynolds Scholarship. If you are invited to participate in a Selection interview, you will participate in a phone interview (see question and answer above).
How will I be notified if I have/have not been selected as a Reynolds Scholar?
The Reynolds Program will notify finalists of their selection status via email no later than April 24, 2009.
Can I participate as a Reynolds Scholar without participating in the summer internship?
No. Reynolds Scholars must participate in a summer internship between their junior and senior year. The summer internship is an important required part of the Reynolds Scholarship experience. It will provide an opportunity for Reynolds Scholars to gain hands-on experience in a specific area of interest related to social entrepreneurship.
Graduate Scholarship FAQ
What does the Selection Committee look for?
Applicants should have the ability to think globally, an interest to solve large-scale problems, and the passion to do the work - at all levels - that needs to be done to create and implement solutions to seemingly intractable social problems. Broadly speaking, the program attracts three types of changemakers; 1) those that have or are planning to develop an innovative idea to address a specific social problem in a pattern breaking, sustainable and scalable way, 2) those that will work in and/or build the infrastructure needed for social entrepreneurial work to take root, including individuals who will practice their profession in a social entrepreneurial organization (accountants, lawyers, etc.) and individuals who want to improve the operations and management systems of public, private and not for profit organizations, and 3) those who will bring action oriented awareness on a national and/or global scale to particular social problems through journalism, the arts, photography, film making, television production and other media avenues.
These roles are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and one individual can play multiple roles. Further, each role can be thought of having its own trajectory beginning with the desire to change the world, and ending with the implementation of a pattern breaking, sustainable and scalable idea or approach. Fellows and scholars can be at different points on these trajectories with some working to more fully develop an idea, while others may be ready to launch an idea, while still others may be ready to bring an already launched idea more fully to scale.
Regardless of the developmental stage of the idea or where an applicant is on their social entrepreneurial trajectory, appropriate candidates are academically accomplished individuals from a wide variety of disciplines who have a demonstrable heritage of concern for issues of social importance, have distinguished themselves as a potential changemaker, and are committed to continuing to dedicate themselves to addressing issues of social importance in pattern breaking, sustainable and scalable ways.
Who is eligible to apply for the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellowship?
The Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellowship is open to new students accepted for Fall 2009 enrollment to any full-time two-year master's program (excluding some executive programs), or students that are currently enrolled in the schools of law, medicine, dentistry or some three-year Tisch School of the Arts programs and will have two years remaining beginning September 2009.
Can part-time or continuing and professional students apply?
No. Only full-time students enrolled in a degree program are eligible to apply.
Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes. International students are eligible to apply and participate in the program.
How do I apply for the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellowship?
New students applying for Fall 2009 should submit a Reynolds application to the school or schools (if applying to a dual degree or to more than one graduate degree program) to which they are applying. Current law, medicine, dentistry or some three-year Tisch School of the Arts students with two years remaining beginning September 2009 should apply to the school in which they are enrolled. Click here for more information on school specific deadlines and submit your online application.
Do I need to supply any additional information to be considered for the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellowship?
Applicants are required to submit a completed Reynolds application form, essay, biographical sketch and current resume. Please note that, as mentioned in the Reynolds application, the Reynolds Selection Committee will have access to your admission's file.
How should I submit my application if I am applying to one or more dual degree programs or to more than one school?
Applicants applying to one or more dual degree programs or to more than one school should choose both school on the online Reynolds Fellowship application form.
What is included in the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellowship?
At the very heart of the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellowship will be an unparalleled program to provide the best in graduate school training, education and co-curricular experiences to individuals interested in leadership careers and social entrepreneurship. In addition to receiving up to $25,000 per year for each year of study, graduate fellows will take part in a full range of curricular and co-curricular activities and opportunities including:
- The "Social Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century" Speaker Series with influential leaders from various fields and special seminars with NYU and visiting faculty (6/year).
- A special, required credit-bearing course on social entrepreneurship taught by a member of the faculty at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. This course will allow students to explore a particular topic in social entrepreneurship from the various disciplinary and professional perspectives of the cohort members (1st semester, 2nd Reynolds year).
- Regularly scheduled workshops with the NYU Reynolds Expert Advisors (2-3/semester).
- Creating a program of study in his or her school that takes advantage of both school and university course offerings related to public service and social entrepreneurship.
- Social gatherings such as dinners and receptions on issues pertaining to social entrepreneurship.
- Exposure to research, networking and capital development opportunities that will help the student ultimately realize their vision of change.
What are the coursework requirements for Reynolds Fellows?
Reynolds Fellows are required to take a special course on social entrepreneurship and public service through the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. There will also be an opportunity to create a program of study in his or her school that takes advantage of both school and university course offerings related to public service and social entrepreneurship.
I am/will be receiving a separate NYU financial aid award. How will becoming a Reynolds Fellow impact an existing financial aid award?
Incoming students accepted into the Reynolds Fellowship already awarded financial aid will need to check with the school to which they have been accepted regarding their combined financial aid award status. Current law, medicine, dentistry, or some Tisch School of the Arts students accepted into the Reynolds Fellowship and already receiving financial aid will need to check with the school they are currently attending regarding their combined financial aid award status.
If I am a new student applying to NYU, what happens if I am not admitted to my school until after the Reynolds interview date?
Only students admitted to NYU and selected as a finalist prior to Wednesday, March 11, 2009 are eligible for the fellowship.
How will I be notified if I have been chosen as a finalist?
The Reynolds Program will notify applicants, by email, who have been chosen as finalists no later than March 11, 2009.
If I am not available to attend the Selection Event April 4, 2009, is it possible to do a telephone interview?
No. All finalists must attend the Selection Event at NYU on Saturday, April 19. Telephone interviews are not permitted for the Graduate Selection Process.
If I am invited to the Selection Event, how are travel, room, and board costs handled?
If you are invited to the Selection Event and are living in the United States, the Reynolds Program will pay for your economy-class travel costs and two nights hotel accommodations in a room that you will share with another finalist. In addition, meals will be provided Saturday, April 4, 2009.
If you are invited to the Selection Event and are living outside the United States, the Reynolds Program will pay up to $1,000 towards the cost of your economy-class fare in addition to two nights hotel accommodations in a room that you will share with another finalist. In addition, meals will be provided Saturday, April 4, 2008.
How will I be notified if I have/have not been selected as a Reynolds Fellow?
The Reynolds Program will notify finalists as to whether or not they have been selected for the Reynolds Fellowship via email no later than April 10, 2009.
If I am accepted as a Reynolds Fellow, can I defer my acceptance?
Deferral requests are handled on a case-by-case basis and granted only in rare instances.