Third Street Music School Settlement

The New York Community Trust

Harris Scholarship Program
at Third Street

Offering Third Street Music School and ISO at Third Street students a four-year college scholarship.


Application Portal Open!

About the Scholarship

The New York Community Trust Harris Scholarship at Third Street offers four-year college scholarships of up to $20,000 for students planning to attend an accredited college or university in the Fall of 2025.


Students must intend to attend an accredited college or university in the United States, barring any music conservatory, in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree in any field or discipline along with continued study of music throughout college.


While this scholarship is not intended for students who expect to pursue a career in music, a requirement of the scholarship is the continued formal study of music (e.g., taking one semester-long music class per year).


Eligibility & Selection Criteria

To be eligible for the Harris Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:


  • Are actively studying music in a Third Street program and have since at least the 2024-25 school year. Currently registered seniors of the ISO at Third Street programs are also eligible.
  • Plan to graduate from a New York City public school by the end of the 2024-25 school year.
  • Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college or university program in Fall 2025.
  • Exceptional academic ability and achievement, based on high school transcripts, cumulative GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
  • Demonstrate significant financial need as determined by the 2024-2025 FAFSA Student Aid Report.
  • Participate in two or more music-related activities on a regular basis (e.g., individual lessons, partner lessons, repertoire classes, small or large ensembles, music theory and composition, public performances, etc.). Musical activities outside of Third Street are accepted, as long as one of the activities is conducted at Third Street.
  • Contribute positively as a member of their community as evidenced by three letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, mentors, employers, etc.





Selection Process

Third Street will convene a

five-member panel composed of educators, school administrators and experts in the field, to review scholarship applications and select recipients.


After a reading of applications, the panel will convene to further review and discuss applicants and select each scholarship recipient.



PICTURED: 2022 Harris Scholars

Ethan Liang – Boston University

Ellen Sosa-Pena – Middlebury College

Lymarie Monzón – Gettysburg College

Zi Ting Tina He – NYU 

Richard Young Jr. – American University

Angelina Lenych – Smith College

Required Documents

All documents must be submitted through the electronic portal below.

  • Official SAT and/or ACT scores.
  • Complete high school transcripts: all four years through most recent semester.
  • 2024-2025 FAFSA Student Aid Report, submitted electronically through the NYCT application portal.
  • Three letters of recommendation: one academic, one music-related, one personal.


These documents must be submitted electronically below.


For any questions regarding eligibility, the financial assistance application or the scholarship application, please contact Wésha Perry via email, or at 212-777-3240, ext. 36.


APPLICATION PORTAL OPEN

Application code: TSMS2025


APPLICATION DEADLINE

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025

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