Rhode Island Foundation Giving Out $4 Million in Scholarships to Students in Need
Hurry — most scholarship applications close April 15! See if you or someone you know qualifies for this free aid.
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As the college decision date looms near, it can prove to be an exciting and equally stressful time. With acceptance letters coming in, so are financial packages. The Rhode Island Foundation has committed to helping students bridge the gap with over $4 million in scholarships available for the upcoming year.
“Many students like me cannot help but worry about the financial costs of college,” says Isabella Ba, a freshman at Rhode Island College. “I felt a huge relief when I realized I was going to be able to now afford to attend college, live on campus, play tennis for Rhode Island College, contribute to my school community and pursue a career in broadcasting or public relations.”
Ba graduated from Cranston High School East in 2023, and with the help of a scholarship from the fund, was able to continue her education with the financial weight taken off her shoulders.
The Foundation has established the funds with dozens of individual and organizational donors. Last year the Robert G. and Joyce Andrew Scholarship alone helped nearly ninety students attend college.
Blessed Adeoye is one of the students helped by the Andrew scholarship. “This is life-changing,” Adeoye said. “Now I can make full use of all the great learning opportunities at college with no delays or issues. The support not only enables me to pursue a career in engineering; it inspires me to grow into someone who will contribute greatly to my community in the future. I feel empowered to wholeheartedly pursue my dreams.”
There are hundreds of scholarships available, from general assistance to specific scholarships targeting majors from nursing to filmmaking. 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.
“This can help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem insurmountable,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “These scholarships can make dreams come true for the students who get help and the donors who made it possible. The results of their generosity will be felt for years as these young people make their marks in their careers and on their communities.”
The deadline to apply is fast approaching — most scholarships have a cutoff of April 15. Visit rifoundation.org to apply and find a scholarship that is right for you.
