The College of Staten Island’s Verrazzano School Honors program has received $50K for book scholarships for the incoming class.

Recalling how the program received the money, Verrazzano School Associate Director Cheryl Craddock said, “There are a lot of great people on campus who are working to develop creative ways to support students. Alex Scott, the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, called me one morning about a month ago and told me that he might have access to $50,000 to help with recruitment, and he immediately thought of Verrazzano and offering book scholarships to incoming freshmen. We will be able to award 100 $500 scholarships for use at the CSI Bookstore during their freshman year.”

Craddock also noted that this couldn’t have come at a better time. “It’s been a tough couple of years. The pandemic has chipped away at our resilience, and for some students, there have been economic consequences as well. We have already had a lot of students who are working-class, or require assistance to go to school—that number has certainly increased. It means a lot to help students with funding and reduce the financial burden of going to school. For me, in particular, I’m grateful that the College recognizes what amazing students we have in Verrazzano. This is an investment in some very bright futures.”

Craddock explained that students need to accept their offer by May 1 with the intention of receiving the funds over the summer before the fall semester. The funds can be used not only for textbooks, but for technology needs.

To Craddock, the funding just increases the value of a CSI and Verrazzano education. “CSI is a great deal—students get an excellent education from amazing faculty supported by tons of different interesting and engaging staff and support services. Verrazzano takes that experience to the next level by helping bright, motivated students get everything they can out of their college experience. The scholarships help both recruit people to our program, perhaps tipping the balance in our favor if they are considering other schools, and rewarding incoming freshmen for their hard work academically in high school.”

By Terry Mares