Mulcahy Scholarship Newsletter

Browse our 2025 Newsletter below, or click here to download a PDF copy.

History of the Program

Launched in 2018 by the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers, New York, the Mulcahy Scholarship honors Denis and Miriam Mulcahy and their family's lifelong commitment to Project Children, a program that, for forty years, transformed the lives of young children across Northern Ireland.

Today, the spirit of that mission continues in a new direction. The Mulcahy Scholarship provides American high school students the opportunity to travel to Ireland and experience Irish culture in a dynamic, meaningful, and memorable way. Recipients attend educational summer programs that immerse them in Ireland's heritage, arts, sport, and community life.

The long-term goal of the Mulcahy Scholarship is to expand funding and increase access so that more American students can participate in cultural summer programs throughout Ireland. Maintaining a strong, progressive connection between Ireland and the United States remains central to the program's mission.

In 2018, the first Mulcahy Scholarship was awarded to Conor James, who attended the Celtic Irish American Academy (CIAA) summer school in Galway City. There he engaged in cultural studies, built lifelong friendships, and even picked up a cúpla focal ("a few words") of Irish, symbolizing the true essence of the scholarship.

Click on the video above for a snapshot of our past recipients' experiences.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be over the age of 16 and an American high school junior and/or senior at the time of application.
• Students must be willing to travel to Ireland during the summer months and partake in the Irish cultural programs, in which they are enrolled.
• Be available to participate fully in Celtic Irish American Academy programs in Ireland from Sunday, July 12 – Saturday, July 25, 2026 (departure from NYC on Saturday, July 11, 2026).
• Be available for an in-person interview on the evening of Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
• May only receive the scholarship once.
• Possess a valid passport for international travel.

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply the following year, provided they remain eligible.

How to Apply

To submit a complete application, students must:

• Fill out the Mulcahy Scholarship Application Form.
• Prepare a one-page essay on the topic: "What does the Mulcahy Scholarship Program mean to you, and why would you like to participate?"
• Submit one Personal Character Reference (non-relative), such as a school principal, teacher, coach, or community leader.
• Provide a copy of a valid passport for international travel.
• Ensure all materials are received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026.
• Submit your FULL application and supporting docs via E-MAIL to:
  Mulcahy Scholarship Board of Directors,
  c/o Ms. Linda Croston
  Email: mulcahyscholarship@aislingcenter.org

Selection Process

• All submitted applications will be reviewed and scored by the Mulcahy Scholarship Committee.
• Selected applicants will be invited to an in-person interview on Tuesday February 10, 2026 at the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center, 990 McLean Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704 and candidates unable to attend in person will not advance.
• Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than Friday, March 27, 2026.
• Award amounts are determined at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee and will be paid directly to the travel provider and educational institution in the student's name.