Donors Work to Expand Opportunities for Educational Aid Through New Awards, Initiatives

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation, in partnership with private donors, 33 public school districts and two private schools, has awarded scholarships to 485 students from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties that will help them pursue post-secondary educational goals.

     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 and partnerships. Awards to 485 students in the three counties total more than $1 million. 

     In the past year, donors created 26 new scholarships at the Community Foundation. Another nine scholarships were transferred to the Foundation from donors and partnering school districts to administer on their behalf.

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Students Welcome New and Returning Members from Four High Schools for Yearlong Leadership Program

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation recently named its 2022-2023 Youth Philanthropy Council class, welcoming eight new and eight returning students to the leadership program.

     The Youth Philanthropy Council is an advisory committee of the Northern New York Community Foundation. Chartered in 2010, the program promotes positive youth development and engages young people in meaningful activities that build their skills while deepening their understanding of community needs and educating them about community philanthropy and its impact on Northern New York. Council members grow to become informed critical thinkers and philanthropic leaders as they engage in lessons that may never be taught in a traditional classroom.

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Award Will Enable Driveway Repair, Resurfacing Project at Lewis County Facility

     CONSTABLEVILLE — A recent grant from the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation will help The Flywheels and Pulleys Association ensure safe access for patrons at its grounds off State Route 26.

     Support totaling $3,000 will help repair and resurface the driveway at the organization’s grounds, improving safety for all. The Association features several vintage gas and steam engines, tractors and other farm and home equipment to educate the community about the importance of these machines during different eras of time.

     The Association recently brought the community together for its annual “Old Time” Gas Engines, Tractors and Truck Show, Sept. 9 through Sept. 11, at its Constableville grounds. 

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Program Founder Stephen H. Can Visits Class for Reception at Jefferson Community College

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 members of the Jefferson-Can Community Scholars program.

     The new class of 30 scholars was recently honored during a fall reception at Jefferson Community College. Program founder and Jefferson Community College alumnus Stephen H. Can delivered remarks and met this year’s students.

     The Community Foundation administers the Jefferson-Can Community Scholars program in collaboration with Mr. Can and the Jefferson Community College Foundation. The Jefferson-Can Community Scholars Program awards high school seniors who are in the top 15 percent of their graduating class a merit-based scholarship of a total of at least $1,200 for the first year of study at Jefferson Community College. Since its inception in 2007, the Jefferson-Can Community Scholars program has provided scholarships totaling approximately $1.6 million, supporting 759 students.

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Up to $1,000 in Funding Available through the Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity of the Community Foundation

     WATERTOWN — School districts pursuing grant funding to support bullying prevention, character education, and social media safety programs are encouraged to apply to the Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity of the Northern New York Community Foundation. Up to $1,000 in funding is available this year.

     The charitable fund was established at the Community Foundation in 2015 to provide resources for key educational programs that raise awareness of bullying in local schools and communities. The fund also supports professional development initiatives to educate school administrators, teachers, faculty, and staff about bullying and ways to identify and prevent it. Projects and initiatives that promote leadership development, student responsibility, respect, and trust for the community are key focus areas as well. 

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