LIBEA is sharing a scholarship opportunity for Long Island high school students, and we are asking our members and supporters to help spread the word.
The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University and FourLeaf Federal Credit Union are now accepting entries for the 2026 Celebration of Suburban Diversity High School Diversity Essay Scholarship. The contest is in its 18th year and invites students to write about diversity, inclusion, and belonging in their communities.
The deadline is Monday, November 2, 2026. That leaves about a week, so please pass this along to students now.
Awards
Up to $10,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded:
- First place: $3,000
- Second place: $2,000
- Third place: $1,000
Students who go on to attend Hofstra University may also receive a matching scholarship from the university. Winners will be recognized at the 2026 Celebration of Suburban Diversity Banquet on November 16, 2026, at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York.
Who can apply
Any student attending a public, private, charter, or parochial high school on Long Island.
The 2026 essay prompt
Students are asked to discuss how diversity in race, culture, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity within Long Island’s suburban communities has affected them. Strong essays will combine research with personal perspective to explain why the issue matters, how it affects the student and the community, and how it may shape the future.
Essay guidelines
- No more than 500 words.
- The student’s name, email address, grade, and teacher’s name must appear in the header of every page.
- Essays must be the student’s own original work. AI-generated essays will not be accepted.
- Winners will be notified by email.
How to submit
Email the essay to Debbie Tinnirello at the National Center for Suburban Studies: deborah.tinnirello@hofstra.edu. Questions about the contest should go to the same address.
Download the full scholarship flyer (PDF)
How you can help
If you teach, mentor, coach, or parent a Long Island high school student, please share this post with them today. Educators can mention it in class, pass it to school counselors, or forward this page to families. A few minutes of encouragement from a trusted adult can be what gets a student to write and submit.