$4 million in scholarships available through Rhode Island Foundation

April 14 is the next major deadline to apply for aid that helped send nearly two dozen East Providence students to college last year

East Providence, RI -- At the time of year when colleges are sending out their financial aid packages, $4 million in scholarships is available through the Rhode Island Foundation. Nearly two dozen students from East Providence received aid last year to attend schools ranging from Bryant University and the University of Rhode Island to Brown University and the University of Southern California.

“Our scholarships can help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem overwhelming,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “This aid can make dreams come true for the students who get the help and the donors who make it possible. The results of their generosity will be felt for years as these young people make their marks in the workplace and in their communities.”

Hundreds of scholarships are available to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees and books.

In addition to general assistance, the Foundation offers a number of awards targeting specific fields, including marine affairs, nursing and the jewelry industry.

Jaimy Deburgo of East Providence received help from the Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship Fund and the Rhode Island Scholarship Assistance Fund. She is a junior majoring in Nursing at the University of Rhode Island.

“My parents are older—in their 60s—and I have already been helping them manage their health needs. Now that I am in the Nursing program at URI, I have come to believe that this is a really good choice for me, she said. “The scholarship assistance makes it easier for me to spend more time concentrating on academics and less time worrying about paying for books and supplies.”

Deburgo graduated from East Providence High School in 2022. She hopes to return to East Providence and work in her hometown.

“After I graduate, I plan to work at a hospital for a couple of years. Med-surg gives you experience on each floor, and after six months, you probably know what you want to focus on. Then I will get my Nurse Practitioner degree — after working three years, most hospitals will pay for continued education. Ultimately, I would like to work in a hospital near my home in East Providence,” she said.

Other scholarship funds provide assistance based on background or family history among other factors. The Patty & Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship helps students who are the first in their families to go to college and the Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship helps single parents.

In addition to help with college costs, the Foundation offers aid to Rhode Islanders who attend trade or technical schools in preparation for employment through funds like the David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund.

For most of the scholarship funds, the deadline to apply is April 14. For more information about applying, visit rifoundation.org.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, together with partners and neighbors, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.