Rhode Island Foundation launches college scholarship fund and statewide educational program honoring Roger Williams

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Spanish Podcast of Roger Williams

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Governor Raimondo

Mayor Elorza in spanish


Roger Williams National Memorial Park Ranger John McNiff

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Foundation tuesday announced an educational program that will give
students and teachers access to a wealth of information about Roger Williams and award up to $240,000 a
year in college scholarships to honor the state’s founding father. The Roger Williams Initiative was conceived
of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and John Carter.
“Roger Williams was many things – a seeker, a champion of democracy, a naturalist, a reader, a writer, a
traveler, and undoubtedly an entrepreneur. 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,” said Neil Steinberg, the
Foundation’s president and CEO.
The initiative will offer up to $240,000 a year in college scholarships to Rhode Island high school seniors who
display an appreciation for the values of Roger Williams. Up to three students a year will receive up to $20,000
a year for up to four years based financial need and academic good standing.
“We hope that after learning more about Roger Williams, students will understand what his values were, and
how they remain significant, important, current and not as a study in history. Roger Williams should be seen as
a set of living ideals and not only an historical figure. The goal is for students to gain an understanding of Roger
Williams and, in that sense, see him as a mentor and personal guide,” said John Carter.
Students can begin applying for the scholarships immediately. The deadline is Feb. 16. More details are posted
on findingrogerwilliams.com.
The website 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, his life, legacy
and character.

“We wanted to establish a sense of place and awareness for all Rhode Islanders by providing access to
resources and opportunities inspired by our state’s founder and his teachings,” said Jessica David, the
Foundation’s senior vice president for strategy and community investment, who led the project.
“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 said.
A host of speakers joined the Foundation to make the announcement at the Roger Williams National
Memorial, which includes a freshwater spring that was the center of the settlement of Providence Plantations
founded by Williams in 1636.
“I’m proud to serve as the Governor of a state founded on Roger Williams’s principles of religious freedom and
tolerance. Today, Rhode Island’s commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all remains one of our greatest
strengths,” said Gov. Gina Raimondo. “As Governor, I have worked to establish programs to help high school
students take college courses for free, and to help bridge the gap between financial aid packages and the
actual cost of college. The Roger Williams Initiative and Scholarships Program will open doors of opportunity
for even more of our students.”
“Roger Williams was a free-thinker and a fearless trailblazer. The values upon which he built our state are the
same values that should be celebrated in young people today, and the Roger Williams Initiative will ensure
that his legacy lives on in a new generation of independent leaders,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “I am so
grateful to Letitia and John Carter and to the Rhode Island Foundation for finding a way to honor Rhode
Island’s history while at the same time paving the way for a better future.”

«Roger Williams founded our great city and state with in the spirit of freedom and inclusion,» said Mayor Jorge
Elorza. «Providence is a diverse and ever changing city and I believe that his teachings live on today in the heart
of our capital. These scholarships will continue to support his spirit for generations to come through the
success of our students who receive them.»
“Thinking about the establishment of this state we would be remiss not to acknowledge the impact of the
Narragansett people on the ability of Roger Williams to, first, survive and, then, thrive in our homelands. I am
pleased to partner on this initiative and to share the interwoven history of the creation of this state,» said
Lorén Spears, executive director of the Tomaquag Museum.
“This initiative comes at a critical time when religious liberty and liberty of conscience is being threatened in
our country and worldwide. Congratulations to the Rhode Island Foundation and the Carters for reinforcing
Roger’s legacy in our youth of today, as they will be the leaders of tomorrow,” said David Wordell, president of
the Roger Williams Family Association.
“Few note the tremendous contributions Roger Williams made to our basic ideals about freedom. These
freedoms we take for granted today, began as an experiment, with Roger Williams at the helm, right here in
Rhode Island. These scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for the next generation to understand and
continue Williams’s experiment,” said Roger Williams National Memorial Park Ranger John McNiff.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in
Rhode Island. In 2015, the Foundation awarded $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 www.rifoundation.org.