More Than $4M In Scholarships Available Through Rhode Island Foundation

At the time of year when colleges are sending out their financial aid packages, the Rhode Island Foundation is reminding students they have until April 13 to apply for more than $4 million in scholarships.

“Our scholarships help students and their families bridge gaps that might seem overwhelming,” David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO, said in a media release.

“This support can make dreams come true, both for the students who receive it and for the donors who make it possible," Cicilline said. "The results of their generosity will be felt for years as these young people make their mark in the workplace and in their communities.”

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Dozens of individual and organizational donors have established scholarship funds at the Foundation to help students cover the cost of tuition and room and board.

“It has never been easier to apply. We have hundreds of scholarship opportunities, with many only requiring completion of a single universal application,” Cicilline said.
One of the Foundation’s most generous programs is the Robert G. and Joyce Andrew Scholarship Fund, which helped more than 170 students attend college last year.

“This aid will enable me to focus on my academic pursuits and participate more fully in campus life without the stress of dealing with a big financial burden,” Melssa Aguilar of Johnston, who is majoring in public relations and communications at Roger Williams University with the help of an Andrew scholarship, said in the release.

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In addition to general assistance, the Foundation offers several programs that focus on specific majors. The Ocean State Media Scholarship helps students pursuing journalism or communications as a career. At up to $60,000 over four years, it is one of the Foundation’s largest awards.

“There’s nothing to describe the feeling of learning that I won this scholarship," said Timothy Yean of Cranston, who is majoring in communications with the help of an Ocean State Media Scholarship, said in the release.

"My parents were happy for me, but I think I was even happier because I knew right then and there that I wouldn’t have to worry too much about paying for college any longer,” Yean said.

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The Foundation also awards dozens of scholarships of up to $10,000 focused on nursing.

“My scholarship is more than financial assistance. It is a reminder that others are cheering me on and want to see me succeed," Elizabeth Petrucci of South Kingstown, who is majoring in nursing at the Community College of Rhode Island with the help of a scholarship from the Foundation, said in the release.

"The help makes my dreams a little more achievable,” Petrucci said.

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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 13. To apply, visit the Rhode Island Foundation site.

The scholarship assistance is just one way the Foundation supports education. In 2025 alone, the Foundation awarded more than $5.5 million in grants through its Education and Student Success Community Priority.

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