Applications are being accepted for the 2026 cycle for the Belle Zeller Scholarship, with awards designated for the fall of 2026.

 The scholarship, established in 1979 in honor of Professor Belle Zeller, recognizes her pioneering contributions to the American Labor Movement and her tenure at Brooklyn College from 1930 until her retirement in 1973. Professor Zeller was also the founding president of the Professional Staff Congress. The program commemorates her legacy by providing financial support to outstanding CUNY students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, law, or professional school studies.

 Eligible applicants must have completed at least 16 credits at CUNY, be enrolled full-time, maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and demonstrate a strong commitment to voluntary community service.

 Each year, the Belle Zeller Award Committee face the rewarding challenge of selecting Belle Zeller Scholars from a distinguished pool of applicants. Each scholar receives a $5,000 award, and typically, 8–12 scholarships are granted from over 250 applications. Scholars are recognized in three categories: undergraduate students, doctoral candidates affiliated with the CUNY Graduate Center (in honor of Irwin Polishook, former PSC president), and students enrolled in CUNY Law School or other professional schools.

 Applications are now open and can be accessed, along with additional details, at www.bellezeller.org. The deadline for submitting applications and letters of recommendation is February 27, 2026.

For any questions regarding the Belle Zeller Scholarship program, please contact scholarship@bellezeller.org.

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