RI Foundation Offers College Scholarships up to $80K, Application Deadline Feb. 12

PROVIDENCE, RI — High school seniors have until Feb. 12 to apply for college scholarships of up to $80,000 through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative at the Rhode Island Foundation.

Conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter, the program honors the principles of the state’s founding father.

 “Roger Williams embodied ideals that are as current today as they were in our state’s earliest days. Thanks to the foresight of the Carter family, a new generation of Rhode Islanders will connect with his timeless legacy,” said Jessica David, senior vice president of strategy and community investments.

 Members of the high school class of 2018 who display an appreciation for the values of Roger Williams can receive as much as $20,000 a year for up to four years based financial need and academic good standing.

“As they learn about Roger Williams, we hope students will come to appreciate his values. Through their achievements, he will continue to be a set of living ideals that can provide a lifetime of inspiration,” said Letitia Carter.

Applicants must be residents of Rhode Island, high school seniors and attend a public, parochial or independent high school in Rhode Island. Candidates will be evaluated based on financial need, understanding of Roger Williams’ principles and record of academic and community achievement.

 The Foundation expects to announce the recipients in April. More details about the scholarships are posted on findingrogerwilliams.com.

 This will be the second round of scholarships awarded through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative, which launched last year.

 Kelsey Dellinger of North Kingstown, Fatou Dieng of Woonsocket, Taleen Donoyan of Cranston, Diana Iglesias of Cranston, Ngan “Kim” Le of Woonsocket and Night Jean Muhingabo of Woonsocket are the recipients of the inaugural round of scholarships, a total of up to $400,000 over four years.

 “This scholarship ensures that I can continue an education in one of the world’s greatest cities and universities. Most important of all, the scholarship means access, opportunity and a step into the future,” said Le, a first-year student at Columbia University in New York.

 The scholarships are just one facet of the Carter Roger Williams Initiative, which also includes a free online education hub offering activities and discussion starters on Roger Williams and his teachings for elementary, middle and high school educators to use in their classrooms.

 Also available online is a comprehensive collection of verifiable information about Roger Williams and his life, legacy and character.

 “Our goal is to create a sense of place and awareness by giving all Rhode Islanders access to resources that bring to life our state’s founder and his teachings,” said David.

 “This initiative is intended to encourage study and examination. 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 representation of who he was and what he achieved – without bias,” she said.

 The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. 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 www.rifoundation.org.