scholarships

The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 Honorable Peter Fox Cohalan Scholarship in American History

The scholarship is awarded to a graduating Nassau/Suffolk County high school senior who will pursue an undergraduate degree with a concentrated study of a minimum of 24 credit hours in American History and/or American Government.

The awardees must attend a 4-year accredited college or university or academic institution subject to Board approval. The scholarship award is $10,000 yearly for 4 years of degree completion.

Applications close on March 31, 2026.  Notifications will be sent out in the first week of May, 2026. A runner-up will be selected in case the first-place awardee is unable to accept the scholarship.

The Foundation will accept a maximum of 3 applicants from each High School located in Nassau/Suffolk County, New York.

1. An academic writing sample of at least 10 pages (typed and double spaced) based on any aspect of Long Island history and how it reflects New York State and American History.
2. Chicago-style endnotes, as well as a bibliography. 
3. Two of the sources must be primary.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation from an American history or American studies teacher.
5. Personal statement in the form of a 500-word academic autobiography giving special attention to achievements in American history and public service.
6. An official transcript. A completed package including all of the above items must be received by March 31, 2026. Please check the website for additional information: www.rdlgfoundation.org Mail to: Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, 30 West Main Street, Suite 309, Riverhead, New York 11901 Attention: Scholarship