$4 million in scholarships available through Rhode Island Foundation

CRANSTON, RI -- At the time of year when colleges are sending out their financial aid packages, $4 million in scholarships is available through the Rhode Island Foundation. Hundreds of students from all over the state received aid last year to attend schools ranging from Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island to George Washington University and the University of Southern California.

“Our scholarships can help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem overwhelming,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “This aid can make dreams come true for the students who get the help and the donors who make it possible. The results of their generosity will be felt for years as these young people make their marks in the workplace and in their communities.”

Dozens of individual and organizational donors have established scholarship funds at the Foundation to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees and books. The Robert G. and Joyce Andrew Scholarship Fund alone helped more than 150 students attend college last year.

“This award significantly contributes to my educational progress by providing the necessary financial assistance for my educational expenses. Your generous contribution allows me to worry less about how to afford these expenses and focus more on my studies,” said Mya MacNeil of North Kingstown, who is studying Japanese and political science at the University of Rhode Island with the help of an Andrew scholarship.

Hundreds of scholarships are available. In addition to general assistance, the Foundation offers a number of awards targeting specific fields, including marine affairs, nursing and the jewelry industry.

Jaimy Deburgo of East Providence received help from the Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship Fund and the Rhode Island Scholarship Assistance Fund. She is a junior majoring in Nursing at the University of Rhode Island.

“My parents are older—in their 60s—and I have already been helping them manage their health needs. Now that I am in the Nursing program at URI, I have come to believe that this is a really good choice for me, she said. “The scholarship assistance makes it easier for me to spend more time concentrating on academics and less time worrying about paying for books and supplies.”

At up to $60,000 over four years, one of the largest is the Rhode Island PBS and The Public's Radio Scholarship, which helps students pursuing journalism or communications as a career.

“There’s nothing to describe the feeling of learning that I won this scholarship. My parents were happy for me, but I think I was even happier because I knew right then and there that I wouldn’t have to worry too much about paying for college any longer,” said Timothy Yean of Cranston, who received a scholarship from the fund last year to attend Rhode Island College, where he is majoring in communications.

Other scholarship funds provide assistance based on background or family history among other factors. The Patty & Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship helps students who are the first in their families to go to college and the Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship helps single parents.

In addition to help with college costs, the Foundation offers aid to Rhode Islanders who attend trade or technical schools in preparation for employment through funds like the David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund.

For most of the scholarship funds, the deadline to apply is April 14. For more information about applying, visit rifoundation.org.