Ernesto Malave Scholarship for the Arts

2025 ERNESTO MALAVE SCHOLARSHIP: FOR THE ARTS
In Memory of Ernesto Malave

Ernesto Malave, Vice Chancellor for Budget and Finance at The City University of New York (CUNY), passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 22, 2009, at the age of 51. Throughout his 27-year career at CUNY, including the last six years as the University’s chief financial officer, he was renowned for his keen financial acumen, creative leadership, and genuine concern for both students and colleagues. His distinguished and dedicated service significantly enhanced the University in numerous ways. Ernesto managed a vast financial universe, but he was no ordinary chief financial officer. His primary focus was keeping CUNY’s resources affordable for the most economically vulnerable students. His commitment to this promise will always be remembered.

Comité Noviembre Artisans Fair

Mr. Malave played a crucial role in bringing the Annual Comité Noviembre Artisans Fair to life by providing funding and resources starting in 2005 and continuing until his death. To honor the 10th anniversary of the Fair, Comité Noviembre established the Ernesto Malave Scholarship for the Arts, recognizing his contributions, support, and dedication to making the Artisans Fair a reality. This award will be given to Puerto Ricans pursuing higher education in the Arts, emphasizing the cultural influence of artistic expression and its role in transforming culture. Candidates must be majoring in one of the following artistic disciplines:
Literature: Poetry, novels, short stories, and epics
Performing Arts: Music, dance, and theatre
Media Arts: Photography, cinematography, and visual arts
Crafts: Drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpting
Scholarship Details

This annual scholarship aims to promote the advancement of emerging artists and invest in their continued growth by supporting their education and artistic development.

Scholarship Amount The scholarship recipient will receive a $1,000 award (one-time offer).

Contact Information:
For questions, please contact:
Lisa M. Rodriguez
Phone: (347) 693-6893
Email: cn.scholarship@gmail.com

Website: https://www.comitenoviembre.org/
ELIGIBILITY
Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Descent: Be of Puerto Rican descent.
Major: Majoring in the Arts.
Enrollment: Enrolled in an accredited college or university by fall 2025.
GPA: Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 or better.
Portfolio: Submit digital samples of their work.
Age: Be between the ages of 18 and 27.
Interview: Undergo a virtual interview with the selection committee (available in English or Spanish).
Previous Awards: Applicants cannot be former CN scholarship awardees of any CN Scholarships.
Note: If selected, only one CN scholarship will be granted if the applicant applies for multiple CN Scholarships.

GUIDELINES
A completed application package must include:

Application form
Essay
Biographical sketch
One letter of recommendation
High school transcript (for high school students)
Academic transcripts (for college students)
Digital samples of work
Headshot photo
Additional Requirements for the Recommendation Letter:

Must be from a community member who personally knows your work and leadership
Must be written on organizational letterhead
Must include the contact phone number of the person writing the recommendation letter

Scholarship payment will be made by Comité Noviembre in November 2025, and only upon receipt of official college registration/enrollment and other requested documentation.
DEADLINE
The application package must be received by Friday, May 02, 2025.

Application packages received after the due date will be disqualified.
Applicants selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Conditions for disqualification of Comité Noviembre Scholarship recipients:

The recipient provides false application information.
Recipient fails to graduate from High School by June 2025.
Recipient is not enrolled in an accredited college or university by Fall 2025.
The recipient is not of Puerto Rican descent.
The recipient is a former CN scholarship awardee of any CN Scholarships.
Scholarship Payment Information

Payment Date: November 2025
Requirements for Payment:
Official College Registration/Enrollment: Proof of your enrollment in college.
Video: A 2–3-minute video expressing how this scholarship will impact your education.