Donors Work to Expand Opportunities for Aid Through New Awards, Initiatives
WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation, in partnership with donors, has awarded 1,157 scholarships this year totaling $1.56 million to help 743 students pursue their post-secondary educational goals.
Students awarded support are pursuing a wide range of post-secondary educational studies, including trade, technical, vocational, and two- and four-year college programs. The average award this year is $2,100 per student. In many cases, students may receive more than one award from the Community Foundation.
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors who continue to make gifts that support Community Foundation scholarships, opportunities for students this year have grown through the establishment of new awards. In the past 18 months, donors have created 44 new scholarships at the Community Foundation.
“Scholarships remain one of the most significant ways our donors invest in the people of Northern New York and help strengthen the future of our communities. In addition to the many opportunities that have been in place for years, several new funds have been established to support a wider range of educational pursuits,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “An emerging trend we are seeing is more interest in assisting those following trade and technical career paths as well students who may not be eligible for other types of financial aid.”
Most of the scholarships awarded will support students from 37 schools in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Forty-two students from schools outside the tri-county region received scholarships the Community Foundation administers. In most cases, these awards were established by local donors who maintain strong ties to specific out-of-area schools.
Eight scholarships were also awarded to Next Step Education Program students, which includes those who may be returning to post-secondary studies after a break from school or older adults, pursuing college, vocational, or technical education. Through its partnership with the 10th Mountain Division Association, the Community Foundation facilitated 30 scholarships to students with family ties to the U.S. military.
The Community Foundation also partners with the Herring College Memorial Trust to award scholarships to students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields. In 2014, the Thousand Islands Foundation became a component fund of the Community Foundation, which now helps to administer scholarships awarded to graduates of Alexandria, LaFargeville, Lyme, and Thousand Islands high schools on its behalf.
Additionally, the Foundation administers the Jefferson-Can Community Scholars Program in partnership with the Jefferson Community College Foundation and alumnus Stephen Can. The Jefferson-Can Community Scholars Program awards Jefferson and Lewis County high school seniors who are in the top 15 percent of their graduating class a merit-based scholarship for the first two semesters of study at Jefferson Community College. This year, 35 students are Jefferson-Can Community Scholars.
The Community Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships annually, made possible through the philanthropic spirit of groups and individuals from across Northern New York.
Scholarships are popular choices for many as a preferred method of charitable giving and are as varied as the individuals and groups that create them. Criteria for many scholarships the Community Foundation stewards include geography, major of study, college or university attended, student achievements and much more. Several scholarships may also serve as a tribute to loved ones. Most important, each scholarship is a gift that supports the education of local students, helping them to pursue their academic goals.
The Community Foundation also partners with 26 school districts across the region to steward scholarship funds and awards established in partnership with donors and schools.
Additionally, the Foundation partners with 15 school districts to steward educational foundations. In recent years, many donors have expressed interest in supporting their favorite local school in broad or more directed ways, for things other than scholarships. Through school educational foundations, alumni, parents, teachers, retirees, and others for whom their school holds special meaning can leave a legacy.
A complete list of available scholarships and the applications may be found at nnycf.org/scholarships.
The following students, listed by county, school district, and type, received scholarship support this year to help with their post-secondary studies:
Jefferson County
Lewis County
St. Lawrence County
Outside the Tri-County Area
Herkimer County
Monroe County
Oneida County
Onondaga County
Oswego County
Out of State High Schools
Next Step Education Program
10th Mountain Division
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.
