NEW LONDON, CT -- The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut awarded more than $758,000 in scholarships to 309 students from across the region this year, an increase of 26 individual scholarships and over $33,000 in total awards from 2019.
This year’s scholarship season was different from last year in other ways as well. “The pandemic changed both the financial circumstances and college plans of a number of students, resulting in many recipients deciding to attend a local public institution instead of heading to a private college, as well as in a record number of scholarship awards deferred for a semester or full year,” stated Community Foundation Program Director Jennifer O’Brien.
In addition, at least 18 students in this year’s applicant pool were able to take advantage of Connecticut Commitment, the new State initiative to provide full tuition to UConn Storrs or any UConn regional campus for eligible first-time, full-time students, and Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT), a similar effort to cover tuition at any state community college for eligible students.
“College can be a lifeline for students from financially burdened families, especially now as we face the COVID-19 crisis. For that reason, we sharpened our focus on reaching first generation college students, students of color and those with the greatest financial need. The Community Foundation sends our best wishes to these students as they launch their college and technical careers in challenging circumstances,” stated Maryam Elahi, President and CEO.
The Community Foundation’s scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors who understand the value of opening doors for students and investing in the future. These caring donors have established 122 scholarship funds at the Community Foundation, awarding more nearly $8 million to over 3,800 students since 1983.
For a full list of scholarship recipients, visit our website: 2020 Scholarship Recipients >>
About the Community Foundation
Serving 42 towns and comprised of 552 charitable funds, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut puts philanthropy into action to address the needs, rights and interests of the region, focusing on four priority areas: empowering youth, promoting basic needs and rights, preserving the environment, and advancing animal welfare. The Foundation stewards net assets of over $102 million and has awarded over $68 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofits and students since its founding in 1983. To learn more, visit cfect.org.
Pursuing Their Dreams: Meet two of our 2020 scholarship recipients
Teala Avery, Norwich
A recipient of the Danny Gilman Memorial Scholarship and the Thomas P. Quinn Memorial Scholarship, Teala is majoring in photography at Spelman College so that she can bring awareness to the injustices that underserved communities suffer from around the world.
Isaac Mason, Stonington
Isaac’s dream job is to become a journeyman welder and travel the country to work in various places. He is an inaugural recipient of the Skip Thavenet Scholarship and is attending Goodwin University.
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Contact:
Pam Mola
Communications Officer
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
860-442-3572
pamela@cfect.org
Website: www.cfect.org