Scholarship Foundation of East Providence Awards More Than $208,000 To Local Students

Thanks to the generosity of local residents and businesses, Scholarship Foundation (SF) of East Providence awarded scholarships totaling more than $208,000 to East Providence residents this year. More than 150 businesses, organizations, families and individuals sponsored this year’s awards. The scholarship group mailed checks to 181 recipients in August.

“We are truly grateful for the support of the community,” notes Joseph Durand, president. “We recognize the financial burden that many East Providence families are facing in these uncertain times, and thank the generous donors for demonstrating their commitment to higher education,” he added. Despite a worldwide pandemic, and in many instances, because of the economic hardships caused by it, students continue to need financial assistance to achieve their educational and career goals. Marking 52 years of volunteer service. Scholarship Foundation of East Providence has provided more than $4 million in scholarships to more than 3,000 local students since its founding in 1968.

SF of East Providence is one of the few local organizations that offer scholarships to students from the time they graduate from high school through their senior year in college. This year, 73 graduating high school seniors from 9 public, parochial and private schools, and 108 students enrolled in college, career or technical school, all East Providence residents, received scholarships. “We are proud to fill a need and encourage students to complete their degree or program,” states Scholarship Foundation of East Providence Vice President Joan Kent.

Using a standardized application process, SF of East Providence evaluates candidates anonymously and administers scholarships based on merit and financial need. The all-volunteer group also sponsors events, such as a community-wide phone-a-thon in March, to raise additional funds for scholarships and to ensure that each recipient is awarded a minimum of $1,100.

Businesses, local organizations, families or individuals who are interested in initiating a scholarship through Scholarship Foundation of East Providence or who would like to learn more can contact Joan Kent at 401-431-1675 or at P.O. Box 154438, East Providence, RI 02915.

President Joe Durand and Vice President Joan Kent welcome local residents to join the volunteer organization as a member. Members assist with scholarship application review and distribution, planning annual fundraisers, and maintaining accurate records. In order to continue to provide scholarships to the students of East Providence it is critical for the board to maintain enough members to carry out board functions. More than 75 volunteers helped at this year’s community-wide phone-a-thon and more than 100 volunteers participated at last year’s Holiday Breakfast. To learn more about helping Scholarship Foundation of East Providence, visit www.sfofepri.org or call Joan Kent at the phone number above.