Rhode Island Foundation Awards $500,000 in Scholarships

PROVIDENCE, RI – Students from across the state are headed off to college with the help of more than $500,000 in scholarships from the Rhode Island Foundation. Dozens of individual and organizational donors established scholarship funds at the Foundation to help students defray educational expenses such as tuition, fees and books.

“These scholarships honor not just the recipients, but the donors who make their dream of a better future come true,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “The benefits of their generosity will pay dividends for decades as these young people enter the workforce and the civic life of their communities.”

Dera Silvestre of Warwick was one of four Rhode Island students to receive college scholarships from the R.I. Association of Former Legislators Fund. A member of Pilgrim High School’s Class of 2015, she was recognized for her dedication and contributions to public service.

“I believe that education is the key to eliminating division between people, and I would like to use the education that I have been lucky enough to receive to help others. By studying communications, I would like to connect people. I truly believe that as human beings, we are all connected. Using my education, I’d like to help other people see that,” Silvestre said. She will study communications at Boston University.

In addition to general scholarship assistance, funds related to the Beacon Mutual Insurance, A.T. Cross, the Smithfield Rotary, the Rhode Island Builders Association and the RDW Group offered targeted assistance. For example, the Albert and Florence Newton, Edward and Virginia Routhier and Willard and Marjorie Scheibe scholarship funds target students studying nursing.

“Receiving a scholarship motivates me to not only complete my degree, but to further my education. I look forward to be able to give back to my community once I begin my career in nursing,” said Meghan Rainville, a University of Rhode Island senior from Bristol who received a Routhier award.

A complete list of scholarships, application deadlines and eligibility requirements is posted on the Foundation’s website at rifoundation.org.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2014, the Foundation awarded more than $34.8 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit http://www.ri.foundation.org/.

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