Scholarship Foundation of East Prov. Celebrates 55th Year With $5 Million Milestone

Scholarship Foundation of East Providence is celebrating 55 years as a community non-profit organization. And they have much to celebrate. Founded in 1968, the fledgling group of volunteers was formed to establish a way to bring together the resources of civic organizations, businesses, families and individuals in East Providence to financially support local students who want to continue their education beyond high school. In 1969, five students received the first scholarships, totaling $1,750.

This year, with the help of local residents and businesses, Scholarship Foundation of East Providence administered scholarships totaling nearly $214,000 to East Providence students. Scholarships of $1,500 or more were awarded to 62 East Providence students graduating from public, private and parochial high schools and 77 scholarships to students who are already enrolled in college, career or technical school. The scholarships were administered on behalf of businesses, civic organizations, schools, reunion committees, PTAs, past recipients, families and individuals in our city, as well as from former Townies across the country. Using a standardized application process, SF of East Providence evaluates candidates anonymously and administers scholarships based on merit and financial need.

“This is a banner year for us,” notes Joseph Durand, president of the scholarship group. “We are proud to announce that in our 55th year, we have reached three major milestones. First, the annual phone-a-thon, in its 29th consecutive year, raised more than $128,000. This pushed the total amount raised through phone-a-thons to more than $2.5 million. Secondly, with this year’s scholarship distribution, since our inception, Scholarship Foundation of East Providence has awarded more than $5 million to East Providence students. And finally, the number of recipients we have assisted has grown to more than 5,000. We are grateful to all who have been so generous and have helped to enable these recipients to achieve their career goals,“ he added.

Mr. Durand recognized new scholarships that were awarded this year, including the East Providence High School Band Scholarship in memory of Wayne Gage, Elizabeth Patnaude Memorial, Frank and Emily Squittiere Memorial, Goulet Family Scholarship in Memory of Raymond Goulet, Jacob Merola Memorial, Path to Knowledge Family, and Peter Saunders Memorial Scholarship in Memory of Charles Saunders. New book awards included: Ed and Philomena Moniz, Pickering Family and Rogers Family Book Awards.

President Joe Durand welcomes 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. To learn more about helping Scholarship Foundation of East Providence, visit www.sfofepri.org  or contact pres.sfofep@gmail.com.