The Cornell Tradition
The Cornell Tradition is one of three student recognition and reward programs that make up The Cornell Commitment. Together, the Cornell Commitment empowers students to impact the world.
The Student Advisory Committee (SAC) organizes volunteers and logistics for events on campus and in the local community. Through their work with the SAC, members are able to meet a portion of their service requirement for their Tradition fellowships.The Cornell Tradition is an alumni supported program that recognizes and rewards outstanding undergraduates. Tradition Fellows are members of a select group, representing less than four percent of the undergraduate population from all colleges and schools at Cornell. The program supports up to 500 students who demonstrate significant work experience, a commitment to service, and academic achievement. Through The Cornell Tradition, students can make meaningful contributions to campus, Ithaca, and communities all over the world.
Cornell Tradition Fellows have access to up to $3,500 over their undergraduate Cornell career to cover the cost of service-related activities, such as Pre-Orientation Service Trips, Alternative Breaks trips, service-learning trips, and other educational experiential activities including summer internships approved by the program.
Rhodes funding is available to Fellows to use for international service experiences over winter and summer breaks and is in addition to the Service Support Account. Students can apply multiple times and be granted up to $5,000 each time.
Tradition Fellows with demonstrated financial need will receive up to a $4,000/year fellowship which increases total grant aid and reduces self-help aid such as loans or work. Fellowships are often funded by Tradition alumni whose experience with the program impacted them so significantly that they endowed fellowships to ensure that future Fellows have similar opportunities.
Fellows are eligible for a wage subsidy during the academic year to help them find or keep a position either on-campus or through Cornell-affiliated off-campus programs. Fellows who receive work-study monies can receive the Tradition wage subsidy once their work-study funds are depleted. Fellows who do not receive work-study monies can receive the subsidy as soon as they secure work. Tradition wage subsidies are available to Fellows throughout their time at Cornell and are not limited to one position.
Students have access to additional funding to off-set costs associated with participation in an activity that may be outside their specific program expectation but aligns with The Cornell Commitment’s values of service, leadership, and research.
Explore CT is a first-year extended orientation program designed to acquaint new Tradition Fellows with other Fellows; the Tradition program benefits, requirements, and ideals; and Cornell University. Participation in Explore CT events is required for first-year students and includes teambuilding, program orientation, a large-scale community outreach project, a spring semester dinner, and networking, service, and social activities with other Fellows. If a freshman Fellow successfully completes the Explore CT activities, their program requirements are cut in half for the first year.
This annual event brings together freshmen from the research, service, and leadership programs that make up The Cornell Commitment to learn from upperclass students who have engaged in program-supported summer experiences at Cornell and around the world.
Fellows can apply to be members of the SAC annually. The SAC works with the Tradition’s director to sponsor service as well as social and educational opportunities for Fellows. SAC members also advise the Tradition staff on areas of interest to Fellows and serve as ambassadors of the Tradition program.
Fellows will have the opportunity to develop relationships with one another as well as those alumni who walked the same path before them, adding to the richness of The Cornell Tradition experience. Social media, networking, visits from alumni, and special events promote connections between students and alumni who have lived the Cornell experience and have applied it to the world beyond.
The Cornell Tradition celebrates and honors its seniors at a reception with their families and friends held on the Friday of Graduation weekend in May.
Fellows are strongly encouraged to complete the Cornell financial aid application.
The Cornell Tradition is generously supported by the Frank H. T. Rhodes Fund, established by The Atlantic Philanthropies in honor of President Emeritus Rhodes’s formative role in the program’s conception and founding.
Not only was I drawn to the experience because of the traveling aspect, but getting to explore what a future in healthcare meant while aiding underserved communities wasn’t something I could pass up.
Read More from Sophia S.
Seeing the joy that simple acts of service and genuine interaction brough highlighted the level of need in Bolivia and encouraged me to reflect on how I can more intentionally serve my community.
Read More from Deborah O.
I knew that the work and connection I would make here would last a lifetime.
Read More from Carson C.Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.