Application: APPLY NOW!

Through our partnership with the University of Bridgeport, Eastern Connecticut State University, the Ezequiel Santiago Fund, the Colon Family Foundation, Notre Dame High School of Fairfield, and Kolbe Cathedral High School in Bridgeport; BCYL students have received over $1,300,000 in scholarships since 2009. An annual graduation celebration takes place in June for the scholarship recipients.

Caribe college scholars have received over $886,000 Caribe Scholarship Fund to attend the University of Bridgeport, Eastern CT State University, or BCYL students’ College of Choice; resulting in  34 college graduates with 19 being first-time graduates in their families! BCYL youth are consistently demonstrating their greatness when the proper environment, resources, and opportunities are provided to them.

58 Caribe Scholars have received nearly $430,000 through the Russell Colon High School Scholarship. 100% of the Russell Colon High School Scholarship recipients are enrolled in college upon graduating from high school.

BCYL is proud to offer five distinct undergraduate college scholarships, each designed to support the educational aspirations of our students. Below are the details of each scholarship, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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):

• 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.
• Commitment to contribute a minimum of 20 volunteer hours with BCYL annually.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025