As college financial aid packages begin to arrive, students across Rhode Island have a considerable opportunity to lessen the load—thanks to $4 million in scholarships currently being provided by the Rhode Island Foundation.
Our scholarships can help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem insurmountable,” said David N. Cicilline, President and CEO of the Foundation.
“This assistance can turn dreams into reality for the students who benefit from the support and the donors who make it possible.”
Supporting Students, Empowering Futures
Dozens of generous individual and organizational donors have created scholarship funds at the Foundation to help students with costs like tuition, books, and fees.
The Robert G. and Joyce Andrew Scholarship Fund alone helped over 150 students on their journey to academic success last year.
This award really helps me further my education,” said Mya MacNeil, a student at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Japanese and political science. “I don’t have to stress as much about being able to afford school and can concentrate on my academic work.”
Scholarships for Every Interest and Background
The Rhode Island Foundation offers hundreds of scholarships—some open to all, others reserved for such pursuits as nursing, marine affairs, or the jewelry arts. Among the most valuable awards is the Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio Scholarship, which offers up to $60,000 over four years to students pursuing journalism or communications.
“There’s no way to describe the feeling of winning this scholarship,” said Timothy Yean, a Cranston High School East graduate who is now a communications student at Rhode Island College. “I knew I wouldn’t have to worry as much about paying for college anymore.”
Others grant scholarships based on background or family circumstances. The Patty & Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship helps students who are the first in their families to attend college, and the Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship supports single parents.
“The scholarship has eased the burden on me in the sense of having too many student loans,” Boston University health science major Jolinada Zhang said. “It’s created space for research projects, extracurriculars, and personal growth I might not have otherwise had.”
Not Just for College—Funding for Vocational and Technical Training
Scholarships are also offered to Rhode Islanders wishing to go to trade or technical school. The David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund, for example, supports students who are learning a skilled trade.
Apply by April 14
Most applications are due by April 14, so the time to explore your options is now. For eligibility information and to apply, visit rifoundation.org/scholarships
As the state’s largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations, the Rhode Island Foundation continues to invest in the future of its community—one student at a time.
