Foundation gives $500K in scholarships

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to college students for the upcoming academic year.
The R.I. Association of Former Legislators Fund is one of dozens scholarship funds established by individual and organizational donors at the foundation to help students defray educational expenses.
“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, one of four Rhode Island students to receive a college scholarship from the Former Legislators Fund, graduated from Pilgrim High School and was recognized for her contributions to public service. She will study communications at Boston University.
“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,” she said. “I truly believe that as human beings, we are all connected. Using my education, I’d like to help other people see that.”
Besides general scholarship assistance, some funds target geographic areas or provide assistance based on gender, economic status or circumstance.
The Melvin and Patty Alperin First Generation Scholarship is earmarked for students whose parents did not graduate from college. The Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda Goldman Education Award supports women pursuing education or job training beyond high school who need assistance with transportation, child care or other support services.
The foundation also offers a number of awards targeting students studying everything from social work or the arts to textile technology or filmmaking.

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