Money Alert: New College Scholarships Announced

NEWPORT, RI — Applications are now being accepted for a new $80,000 scholarship to finance college education. The Rhode Island Foundation this week announced it will give away up to three such scholarships this year.

The new scholarships, in honor of Roger Williams, the state founder, are "the brainchild of philanthropists Letitia and John Carter," according to Chris Barnett, spokesman for the foundation.

Students can apply now. The deadline is Feb. 16.

“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," John Carter said. "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."

The scholarship is "open to high school seniors from Rhode Island, and recipients will be awarded up to $80,000 over four years based on financial need and academic good standing," Barnett said.

“Few note the tremendous contributions Roger Williams made to our basic ideals about freedom," said John McNiff, ranger at the Roger Williams National Memorial Park Ranger. "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,” he said.