$146,000 in Scholarships Go to E.P. Students

The generosity of local businesses and residents has allowed Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation (CSF) of East Providence to scholarships totaling $146,904 to East Providence residents this year.

More than 120 businesses, organizations, families and individuals sponsored this year’s awards, according to Louise Paiva of CSF. Members of the scholarship group distributed checks to 142 recipients at Weaver Library in August.

A Dollars for Scholars chapter of Scholarship America, the all-volunteer organization, has provided more than $3 million in scholarships to more than 3,000 local students in the four decades since its founding. Students who are residents of East Providence and are continuing their education beyond high school are eligible to apply.

CSF of East Providence is one of the few local organizations that offer scholarships not only to graduating high school students, but also to students who are already enrolled in higher education.This year, 71 graduating seniors and 71 enrolled students from five different public, parochial and private schools received scholarships, Paiva said.

Using nationally standardized applications, the CSF of East Providence administers scholarships based on merit and financial need to students who will be attending college or career/technical school she said. The group also sponsors events, such a community-wide phone-a-thon and a Holiday Breakfast, to raise additional funds for scholarships and to ensure that each recipient is awarded a minimum of $1,000.

Businesses, local organizations, families or individuals who are interested in initiating a scholarship through CSF of East Providence or who would like to learn more, can contact Joan Kent at 431-1675 or at P.O. Box. 154438, Riverside, RI  02915.