R.I. Foundation launches college scholarship fund, educational program honoring Roger Williams

RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION President Neil D. Steinberg is shown with Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo at the announcement for the Roger Williams Initiative on Tuesday. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION
RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION President Neil D. Steinberg is shown with Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo at the announcement for the Roger Williams Initiative on Tuesday. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION

PROVIDENCE – A new educational program in honor of Roger Williams, funded by Letitia and John Carter through the Rhode Island Foundation, will give students and teachers access to a trove of information on Rhode Island’s founding father, and also award up to $240,000 a year in college scholarships, according to an announcement made Tuesday by the Rhode Island Foundation.

Known as the Roger Williams Initiative, to scholarships will be awarded to Rhode Island high school seniors displaying an appreciation for the values of Williams. Each year up to three students will receive $20,000 per year for up to four years, based on their financial need and academic standing.

“Roger Williams was many things – a seeker, a champion of democracy, a naturalist, a reader, a writer, a traveler and undoubtedly an entrepreneur,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the foundation’s president and CEO, of the fund’s inspiration.

He added: “Thanks to the vision of Letitia and John Carter, this initiative will connect Rhode Islanders with our state’s founder in an open, accessible manner.”

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Applications for the scholarships are being accepted now, with a deadline of Feb. 16. Information can be found online at findingrogerwilliams.com.

Also available on the website are activities and discussion starters regarding the life, times and teachings of Williams broken down for elementary, middle and high school curricula.

Jessica David, Rhode Island Foundation senior vice president for strategy and community investment, said she hoped the resource gave state residents “a sense of place and awareness.”

“This initiative is meant to encourage review and reflection. Roger Williams was a complex man, he was forward-thinking and yet very much a man of his time. We are committed to presenting a complete, verifiable and accurate portrayal of who he was and what he accomplished – without bias,” she added.

Also in attendance at the announcement, which took place at the Roger Williams National Memorial, were Gov. Gina M. Raimondo; U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin; Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza; Lorén Spears, executive director of the Tomaquag Museum; David Wordell, president of the Roger Williams Family Association; and Roger Williams National Memorial Park Ranger John McNiff.

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