Your 2026 Guide to Applying for the A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars Program at Columbia

Every year since 2013, members of the Uptown community have applied and been chosen to become A’Lelia Bundles Community Scholars at Columbia University. Bundles Scholars receive a three-year affiliation with Columbia and access to campus resources while they work independently on a project or skill that relates to or benefits their community.

Bundles Scholars join an intellectual community with the other participants in the program and have opportunities to connect with life and learning across the University.

Originally known as the Columbia Community Scholars program, it was renamed for journalist, historian, and Columbia University trustee emeritus A’Lelia Bundles in 2020. 

The period for the A'Lelia Bundles Scholars program will open on Feb. 23, 2026, and will close on April 17, 2026, at 11:59 pm. You will be able to find the application here on Feb. 23. 

Below, we run through the most commonly asked questions about the program and share how you can get involved. 

What kind of projects do people work on as Bundles Scholars?

Many Bundles Scholars work on developing nonprofit organizations, expanding existing organizations, curating exhibitions through art collecting and archiving, and some work on written projects. Other scholars use the library’s audiovisual resources, conduct research, and audit classes to expand their knowledge about a specific topic, usually with a connection to the community.

Who is eligible to be a Bundles Scholar?

Bundles Scholars must live in Manhattan north of 96th Street. Here’s the list of eligible zip codes: 10025, 10026, 10027, 10029, 10030, 10031, 10032, 10033, 10034, 10035 (including Randall’s Island), 10037, 10039, 10040. You also need a high school diploma, GED/TASC high school equivalency, or work experience equivalent to a high school degree.

What kind of things will I have access to as a Bundles Scholar?

As a Bundles Scholar, you’ll be able to audit classes at the University. Auditing typically involves sitting in the classroom without participating in the discussions, but it also doesn’t involve taking exams or completing assignments. You’ll also have access to Columbia’s numerous libraries, including check-out privileges and access to online resources. 

Benefits for individuals selected as A'Lelia Bundles Community Scholars include:

• Access to Libraries, including special collections and online access.
• Ability to audit a wide selection of courses
• University ID card
• University email address
• Access to University events and programs
• Annual stipend of $500
• Platforms to share their work, including the School of Professional Studies' Bundles Scholars Speaker Series
• Opportunities to build relationships within the program and across the University
• Ability to contribute to skill-building short courses and seminars.

How do I apply?

You can get all the details about applying from the application information page, but here are the highlights:

• Your application will include an online form, a résumé or CV, a high school or college transcript, a personal narrative, a project description, and two letters of recommendation.
• An unofficial transcript is fine for your application. If you didn’t finish high school, a written explanation of work experience equivalent to a high school degree is also acceptable.
• Use your résumé or CV to highlight your professional accomplishments.
• Your personal narrative (1-2 pages) provides space for you to explain any experience, connections, interests, and accomplishments that you think are relevant to your application and aren’t covered by your resume.
• With your project proposal (1-2 pages), you can lay out your goals for your time as a Bundles Scholar, identify resources that you think will be particularly helpful, and explain any community connections or benefits your project might have. The most important thing for your project proposal is to research and identify that Columbia has the specific kind of resources that will help you along the way.
• Your two letters of recommendation should come from people who know you and can speak to your commitment, expertise, or enthusiasm for your project.
• Feel free to submit additional materials that you think will strengthen your application.

As of Feb. 23, 2026, use this web form to submit your application before 11:59 p.m. on April 17, 2026.

What happens if I am accepted?

If you’re accepted into the Bundles Scholars program, you’ll need to provide documentation of your residency in Upper Manhattan in the form of a current residential lease, utility bill, or another official document with your name on it. You’ll also need to submit a sealed, official transcript from your high school or college if you submitted an unofficial transcript with your application.

Then it’ll be time for onboarding! You’ll meet with program staff to walk you through what you’ll need to do to audit classes and use the library, and we’ll help you get set up to succeed. 

Part of that is making sure you’re able to comply with Columbia’s immunization requirements, as well as completing online training required of all members of the university community. But then you’ll be all set to audit classes, check books out from the library, go to university events, and more.

Where can I learn more?

Head to the Bundles Scholars website. Reach out to [email protected] with any additional specific questions.

What if this doesn’t feel like the right fit? Are there other programs that I can check out?

Absolutely! If you’re interested in auditing classes, but not working on a project, check out the Community Auditing Program. There are also tons of events on and around campus that are open to the public. Head to the Neighbors event listings to see just some of them.