USJ Student From Vernon Speaks At State Senate Scholarships Hearing

HARTFORD, CT — Christine Allen, a Vernon resident and member of the University of St. Joseph Class of 2025, recently testified before the Connecticut State Senate's Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, advocating for increased funding for a state scholarship that has allowed her to attend— and thrive— at USJ.

“I grew up on Section 8 housing, HUD housing, with federal government cash assistance and food stamps,” Allen shared at the public hearing. “I would not have been able to afford this school without the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship.”

The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship (RWSP) provides up to $4,500 to eligible Connecticut students who attend a public or private, non-profit college within the state. However, funding limitations have historically limited awards to fewer than 40 percent of eligible recipients. Senate Bill 5 (S.B. 5), titled
"An Act Concerning High Education Affordability and Accountability," aims to increase the amount of the scholarship to $4,500 and would also ensure that all eligible students receive an RWSP grant.

USJ President Rhona Free also spoke in support of the proposed expansion, underscoring its potential to keep talent within Connecticut.

"If all applicants eligible for a Roberta Willis grant knew they would receive one, as this bill seeks to propose, they would be more likely to stay in-state for college," Free said. "Nearly 40 percent of Connecticut’s high school graduates leave the state to attend college, which is twice the national average. Expanding this program will help to keep USJ students – and Connecticut students – here for college, making them more likely to join the Connecticut workforce once they earn their degrees.”

Allen, a four-year recipient of the RWSP grant, is already planning to contribute to the state’s workforce. Graduating in May with her bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a Certificate in Data Analytics, she has accepted a position at Pratt & Whitney as a global supply chain associate in its development program.

"Christine exemplifies the type of student the Connecticut State Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program is intended to support," Director of Student Financial Services Stacey Downing said. "Not only is she an excellent student and involved on campus, her story is compelling and she really cares about lifting up her peers. This scholarship allowed her to choose a school that was the right fit for her, without worrying about finances. We are proud of Christine for testifying so future college students can benefit from this scholarship in their pursuit of academic success."