Greg and Elizabeth O'Connell Red Hook Scholars Program

The Greg and Elizabeth O’Connell Red Hook Scholars Program, a partnership between SUNY Geneseo and the Red Hook Initiative, offers academically talented, low-income students with demonstrated financial need from Red Hook, Brooklyn, a debt-free college education at SUNY Geneseo. The program covers the full cost of attendance without loans and aims to create a supportive community for ten selected students, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world application of skills through internships, research, and study abroad opportunities.

The Red Hook Scholars Program aims to foster a welcoming environment where students will strengthen their collaboration, teamwork, and critical thinking skills to assist them both during and beyond their undergraduate careers. Geneseo prides itself on being New York’s first and only equity-centered public honors college. Students are taught a skills-centered liberal arts curriculum focusing on diversity, pluralism, and power; world cultures and values; and global challenges. Having specialized knowledge in their field paired with a broad range of knowledge in other areas sets Geneseo graduates apart and allows them to be successful in greater society.

In addition to learning a unique curriculum, Geneseo students apply their classroom knowledge to the real world. Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in internships, academic research, public service, and study abroad programs during their undergraduate experience. Students enjoy small class sizes with an average of about 23 students, creating the sense of a more personal learning environment. Small classes allow professors to get to know their students better, which helps them determine students’ strengths and areas for growth. Professors are available to provide support but also to provide hands-on, experiential opportunities for learning.

Program Benefits

A small group of ten students from Red Hook, Brooklyn, will enter the Red Hook Scholars Program together, allowing them to build community from day one. Working closely with the Red Hook Scholars Coordinator, scholars will meet together at the RHI for pre-orientation prior to arriving on campus. When scholars arrive for their first semester, they will participate in a one-week orientation designed to support their transition to college. Along with the Red Hook Scholars Coordinator, scholars will have a dedicated faculty mentor to support them throughout their time at Geneseo, from the moment they arrive through graduation. The coordinator and faculty mentor will provide support with general advising and course selection to ensure students select courses that apply toward their major.

The Red Hook scholars will get together several times during the fall and spring semesters for group meetings, social gatherings, and team-building. In addition, scholars will meet one-on-one with the Red Hook Scholars Coordinator. During their time at Geneseo, Red Hook scholars have access to student support services and learning centers across all academic areas to assist them in both academics and personal life. Scholars will participate in workshops to help with school-life balance, college life navigation, organization, internships, student-faculty research, and other academic and scholarly activities. Scholars will also have access to the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) program, which helps to develop and strengthen professional skills for success.

Academic Eligibility and Admission

Academic Eligibility

Admission requires a GPA of 2.8–3.0. Geneseo is test-optional, so the SAT or ACT is not required. The application process includes a supplemental essay and an interview.

Apply for admission

Step 1:

Apply to Geneseo using the Common Application or SUNY Application before December 15. The application fee is waived for students applying to the Red Hook Scholars Program. The waiver code is: redhook

Step 2:

Upon submitting the application, students will be prompted to submit a supplemental essay. Students may tell us more about their commitment to service and leadership within their high school and community and their interest in Geneseo and the Red Hook Scholars Program.

Step 3:

Once the application and supplemental essay are submitted, students will be invited to interview with an admissions counselor before February 1. Interviews will be conducted in-person or virtually.

Affordability and Financial Eligibility

Applying to college is just one half of the equation; paying for it is the other half. The Red Hook Scholars Program covers the full cost of a student's education for all four years. To qualify for the program, students must be low-income and have demonstrated financial need.

Successful applicants are awarded full funding to cover the cost of their Geneseo education—debt-free, without loans. In addition, scholars will receive funding to purchase a laptop, books, and educational supplies. To remain eligible for the scholarship, students will need to submit the FAFSA and TAP applications each academic year and maintain good academic standing.

Financial Eligibility

To determine program eligibility, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and New York State TAP applications. For more information on how to apply for financial aid, please visit Applying for Financial Aid on Geneseo’s website.

Financial Aid Advising

As a benefit, Geneseo will provide advising and support to Red Hook students and families applying for financial aid.

In-person and virtual sessions on understanding the financial aid process and applying for college. Sessions will be offered in the fall and spring.
Support in completing the FAFSA and New York State Tap application, offered in collaboration with the Red Hook Initiative and local Red Hook high schools and school counselors. Support sessions will be held throughout the school year. Please contact AJ Petty for more information at apetty@geneseo.edu.
A financial aid advisor to support enrolled students throughout their time at Geneseo.

For more information about the Red Hook Scholars Program, please contact Red Hook Scholars Coordinator AJ Petty at apetty@geneseo.edu or call 585-245-5543.