The Cornell Tradition is an alumni-supported program that recognizes and rewards outstanding undergraduates. The program awards 500 fellowships each year to Cornell students who demonstrate significant work experience, a commitment to campus and/or community service, and academic achievement. The Fellowship supports students' efforts by offering programming and financial assistance.  The Cornell Tradition is one of the three programs that make up The Cornell Commitment.

Through The Cornell Tradition, students make meaningful contributions to campus life that will enhance their own education and those of generations to come. At the same time, these students reduce their level of indebtedness incurred in obtaining a Cornell degree. True to the founder's ideals, the Tradition supports the development of fellows into well-rounded, productive members of society who will serve as the role models and leaders of tomorrow.

Students eligible to apply for membership in The Cornell Tradition program include undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or possess US permanent resident status or F1-visa status.  All students must be authorized for employment in the United States, (either on-campus or off-campus) in order to meet the work requirement as a member of The Cornell Tradition (minimum 100 hours during each academic year). International students will not be eligible for the financial aid benefit of membership but would enjoy access to the $3500 service support account and other program benefits.

Upper-class applications

The application for the 2023-2024 academic year will be available for rising sophomores and juniors later this year. Please email tradition@cornell.edu to be sent the link to the application when it is available.

New applicants will not need to gather forms for hours. Please provide two letters of recommendation from someone other than a Cornell undergraduate. The letters should speak to the applicant's commitment to work and address the student's ongoing commitment to service.

**Applications are only available to rising sophomores and rising juniors.