Donald J and Eva B Cohn Scholarship

Donald J and Eva B Cohn Scholarship

The Donald J. & Eva B. Cohn Scholarship Fund at the Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) provides monetary awards to high school seniors who are active members in the Teen Program and entering their first year at a postsecondary institution.

The Legacy

This scholarship is a tribute to the memory of Donald J. & Eva B. Cohn — A couple who dedicated much of their 65 years together to support their community, children, and education in New York City.

Mr. Cohn served as Vice President of the RNH Board for over two decades, while Mrs. Cohn organized a groundbreaking art exhibit at RNH and co-chaired their fundraising theater benefits for a decade. The Cohns were beloved members of the Riverdale community from their marriage in 1952 until Mr. Cohn’s passing in 2013, followed by Mrs. Cohn’s in 2022.

Their enduring legacy is maintained by their daughter, Alexandra Cohn, who initiated this scholarship in honor of their commitment to nurturing the aspirations of the young people in our RNH community.

Criteria

All applicants must meet the following eligibility and application requirements: 

  • High school senior entering their first year at a 2-4 year post-secondary institution

  • A high school senior entering their first year at a two or four year post-secondary institution

  • An active member in the RNH College Directions Program

  • Submit an updated resume, letter of recommendation, your most recent school transcript, along with your financial aid award letter from your postsecondary institution

  • Complete a short essay illustrating the impact RNH has had on you.

Alumni Stories

Afua Agyekum

Stony Brook ‘23 Graduate of Nursing

“RNH has had a huge impact on me during my transition from high school to college. The College Directions Program was so informative to me in terms of what to expect during my college experience. This scholarship helped pay for my textbooks and other course material. This helped with a smoother transition into my classes without having to worry about extra expenses.”

Marco Perez

Currently Studying at Georgetown University

“This scholarship helped me finance additional costs to my education such as books, supplies, and even food. RNH gave me many fond memories and many opportunities to improve myself during my adolescence, though volunteering, workshops, and internships.”

For more information about the Donald J and Eva B Cohn Scholarship or teen programming, contact pdownes@riverdaleonline.org

Fiona Hernandez

UAlbany ‘23 Graduate

Former White House Press Intern

“This scholarship helped me with my college experience in providing me the resources and support I needed to get through it, especially during the pandemic. For me, RNH is a loving family that has helped me be able to navigate high school, college, and some of the toughest times of my life.”

A Cause Worth Supporting

Why donate?

The Donald J. & Eva B. Cohn Scholarship Fund at RNH isn’t just another scholarship program; it’s a bridge of hope and opportunity for high school seniors in the RNH community.

You’re not just donating; you’re becoming a part of a cherished tradition where each donor is a valued member of our RNH family. Join us as we inspire a new generation to dream, achieve, and carry forward the legacy of compassion and community that defines the Cohn Scholarship.

Donate today