$1.5 million in scholarships awarded through Rhode Island Foundation

PROVIDENCE, RI – Students from across the state headed off to college with the help
of more than $1.5 million in scholarships through the Rhode Island Foundation.

«These scholarships honor the students as well as the donors who make their dreams
of a better future come true,» said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and
CEO. «The impact of their generosity will be felt for decades as these young people
enter the workforce and contribute to civic life of their communities.»

Dozens of individual and organizational donors established scholarship funds at the
Foundation to help students defray educational expenses such as tuition, fees and
books.

«This scholarship was important to me because it will help minimize the amount of
debt I will have following undergrad and help me take out less loans. I am going to
school intending to major in biology, with my eyes set on becoming a doctor.
Although years of schooling await me, I am grateful to have as much financial
support as possible to help me achieve my dreams,» said Sayira Silverio of Cranston,
who a biology major at Macalester College.
In addition to general scholarship assistance, funds related to 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 Alan Edgar Wurdeman scholarship
funds target students studying nursing.

«Lessening the financial burden of books, supplies, and other costs of going to
school and living allows me to better focus on my school work. This grant will let
me worry less about my financial situation and more on succeeding in school and
becoming a nurse,» said Monica Huber of Johnston, a nursing major at Rhode Island
College.

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 2015, the Foundation awarded more than
$41.5 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/.