Scholarships In Rhode Island

Apply for Scholarships In Rhode Island

If you are searching for scholarships in Rhode Island to reduce the financial burden of achieving your college goals, do not let the state's diminutive size fool you. Despite the fact that it is the smallest state in terms of land area in the United States, Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state, packed full with some of the best educational opportunities in New England.

Whether you currently reside within the "Ocean State" or are considering attending one of the 15 universities within its borders, the following are 25 great scholarships that are available to specifically cut the costs of earning a degree within Rhode Island.

1. Antonio Cirino Memorial Award

Deadline: May 2nd

Funded through the Rhode Island Foundation, the Antonio Cirino Memorial Award is presented annually for $2,000 to $10,000 to Rhode Island residents who are in need of financial assistance to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in arts education with the intent of pursuing a teacher career in the arts. Eligible graduate students must be currently enrolled full-time in-state, have a history of involvement in the arts, and demonstrate a consistent pursuit of knowledge about the practice of the arts.

Contact

Antonio Cirino Memorial Award
One Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 427-4564

2. Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship

Deadline: June 13th

Annually, the Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship is granted for $1,500 by the Rhode Island Foundation to male and female Rhode Island residents who are low-income single parents and require financial need in order to pursue college-level study at an accredited institution in the state. Preference will be given to parents who are currently or previously receiving state funding aid, as well as those who have previously been imprisoned.

Contact

Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship
One Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 427-4564

3. Cheryl A. Ruggiero Scholarship Fund

Deadline: January 10th

Established by the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants (RISCPA), the Cheryl A. Ruggiero Scholarship Fund offers annual awards of $1,200 to assist female students who hope to join the public accounting profession with the CPA credential by pursuing an undergraduate or graduate major in accounting. Candidates must be legal residents of Rhode Island, obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and write a one-page essay on career interests.

Contact

Cheryl A. Ruggiero Scholarship Fund
45 Royal Little Drive
Providence, RI 02904
(401) 331-5720

Scholarship Link

4. Clare Sullivan Memorial Nurse Leader Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

Sponsored by the Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island (NFRI), the Clare Sullivan Memorial Nurse Leader Scholarship is designed to provide up to $1,000 annually to registered nurses who demonstrate the leadership abilities needed to pursue a post-baccalaureate program in nursing while maintaining academic honors. Along with the application, candidates must submit a cover letter, short one-page essay on nursing goals, and two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Clare Sullivan Memorial Nurse Leader Scholarship
P.O. Box 41702
Providence, RI 02940
(401) 223-9680

5. De Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 6th

In memory of the former president of the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) to encourage qualified individuals to actively participate in the field of librarianship, the De Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for students currently pursuing a master's degree in library and information science at the University of Rhode Island or Simmons College. In order to qualify for up to $2,000 in funding, members must submit a letter indicating why he or she has chosen the field of librarianship and two references from two library school faculty members.

Contact

De Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 6765
Providence, RI 02940
(401) 203-7323

6. Dr. Dorothy R. Pieniadz Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

Administered through the Rhode Island Polonia Scholarship Foundation, the Dr. Dorothy R. Pieniadz Scholarship is granted annually for students of Polish-American descent in Rhode Island who are planning to pursue a career in education or human services. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, possess a high school diploma, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be enrolled full-time in an accredited two or four-year institution, and show financial need.

Contact

Dr. Dorothy R. Pieniadz Scholarship
866 Atwells Avenue
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 351-9306

Scholarship Link

7. Freda H. Goldman Education Awards

Deadline: June 12th

Established by the Rhode Island Commission on Women in 1997, the Freda H. Goldman Education Awards are offered annually for up to $600 to cover the costs of transportation, child care, tutoring, or educational materials for self-supporting low-income female students seeking education beyond high school. Qualified applicants must be enrolled in an educational/job skills training program, be completing their first degree, show financial need, and live in Rhode Island.

Contact

Freda H. Goldman Education Awards
500 Exchange Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 459-2200

8. Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: November 4th

In memory of the first Executive Secretary of WTS International to honor her dedicated service in public service and outstanding organizational abilities, the Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Rhode Island Chapter for up to $10,000 each year to a woman who is currently pursuing graduate studies in transportation engineering, planning, logistics, or finance. For consideration, female applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or greater, demonstrate professional skills, and plan to pursue a career related to transportation.

Contact

Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship
2 Capitol Hill Suite 126
Providence, RI 02903

9. Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship

Deadline: August 1st

Within the Rhode Island Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship provides $2,500 annually to outstanding graduating high school seniors who display a philanthropic spirit by giving back to their communities. Eligible candidates must live in Rhode Island, enroll in an accredited two or four-year post-secondary institution, and demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism through personal involvement in a non-profit community organization.

Contact

Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship
528 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02904
(401) 461-3863

10. Judy Brucks Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

In honor of a beloved woman's health nurse practitioner who spent her free time as a phenomenal captain for six competitive tennis teams, the Rhode Island Chapter of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has created the Judy Brucks Memorial Scholarship to provide $1,000 to one male and one female Rhode Island state high school tennis player. Applicants must have participated in a USTA youth tennis program, be entering a two or four-year college program in the upcoming fall, and exhibit leadership qualities.

Contact

Judy Brucks Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 462
Greenville, RI 02828
(401) 828-4450

11. Life Member Group Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Sponsored by the Rhode Island Federation of Garden Clubs, the Life Member Group Scholarship is presented annually for $3,500 to deserving junior, senior, and post-graduate students in Rhode Island who are currently enrolled in an accredited program for horticulture, environmental sciences, floriculture, landscape design, forestry, and other related fields. Applicants must be legal Rhode Island residents, be enrolled full-time in any accredited U.S. institution, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Contact

Life Member Group Scholarship
235 Bridgetown Road
Saunderstown, RI 02874
(401) 782-2256

Scholarship Link

12. Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 2nd

As one of the numerous scholarships offered by the Rhode Island Foundation, the Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for up to $2,000 to non-traditional adult learners 25 years of age or older who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree. To qualify, candidates must be legal Rhode Island residents, exhibit financial need, and be enrolled full or part-time at any of the degree-granting non-parochial institutions within Rhode Island.

Contact

Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship
One Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 427-4564

13. Matthew Siravo Memorial Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

In memory of a captivated young boy who passed away at the age of 5 after undergoing brain surgery to correct his seizure disorder, the Matthew Siravo Memorial Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships each year for college-bound graduating high school seniors residing in Rhode Island who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. Applicants must submit medical verification of seizures, an unofficial high school transcript, a college letter of acceptance, and a short essay discussing the effects of epilepsy on their life.

Contact

Matthew Siravo Memorial Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 5300
Wakefield, RI 02880
(401) 789-7330

14. National Guard of Rhode Island Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 31st

Each year, the National Guard Association of Rhode Island (NGARI) provides scholarships of varying amounts to active or retired members of the Rhode Island National Guard as well as the sons and daughters of enlisted personnel. Qualified applicants must be graduating high school seniors or high school graduates who have been accepted at an accredited college or vocational/technical school. All candidates will be required to produce copies of all College Board examination scores along with high school transcripts to complete the application.

Contact

National Guard of Rhode Island Scholarship Program
645 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 254-8495

15. Norton Salk Scholarship for Design Excellence

Deadline: June 25th

Administered through the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIAri) annually, the Norton Salk Scholarship for Design Excellence is awarded for $1,500 to deserving students enrolled in an accredited school of Rhode Island in pursuit of a degree related to architecture. Applicants will need to submit a brief biographical narrative, a letter of eligibility for financial need, a letter of recommendation, and a portfolio representing design experiences.

Contact

Norton Salk Scholarship for Design Excellence
161 Exchange Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 272-6418

16. Rhode Island Academic Promise Scholarship

Deadline: January 31st

Through the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA), the Rhode Island Academic Promise Scholarship is awarded for up to $2,500 for a maximum of four years to graduating high school seniors who will be enrolling in an undergraduate program at an accredited university in the upcoming fall. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, be Rhode Island residents, maintain full-time enrollment with 12 or more credits each term, and show academic promise with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better.

Contact

Rhode Island Academic Promise Scholarship
560 Jefferson Blvd. Suite 100
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 736-1170

Scholarship Link

17. Rhode Island Pilots Association Scholarships

Deadline: February 28th

Annually, the Rhode Island Pilots Association (RIPA) distributes two scholarships for up to $1,500 each to outstanding high school seniors who wish to pursue pilot flight training in an approved aviation-related educational program. Eligible candidates must be residents of Rhode Island, be at least 17 years of age, be able to pass a Class III FAA physical, submit two letters of recommendation, and write a two-page essay on how the money will be used for aviation.

Contact

Rhode Island Pilots Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 7266
Warwick, RI 02887
(401) 568-3494

18. Rhode Island Press Association Scholarship

Deadline: April 10th

For residents of Rhode Island who have lived in the state for at least two years, the Rhode Island Press Association offers a $1,000 scholarship annually to outstanding graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen who will be pursuing a career in print journalism. Qualified applicants should display academic achievement, be enrolled at any four-year university in Rhode Island, and demonstrate a continued interest in print journalism through work on school and/or community newspapers.

Contact

Rhode Island Press Association Scholarship
P.O. Box 244
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 294-8700 ext. 231

19. Rhode Island State Grant Program

Deadline: March 1st

Through the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA), the Rhode Island State Grant Program has been established to provide non-repayable grants for up to $1,000 to graduating high school seniors whose family resources are not sufficient to meet tuition costs for higher education. Candidates must be U.S. citizens with legal Rhode Island residence, be enrolled in a program that leads to a degree or certificate, attend college at least part-time, and be in good academic standing.

Contact

Rhode Island State Grant Program
560 Jefferson Blvd. Suite 100
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 736-1170

20. Robert C. Perriello Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 21st

In honor of his many years of service and accomplishments during his 30-year career in public environmental health in New England, the Rhode Island Environmental Health Association (RHIEA) provides the Robert C. Perriello Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in public health or environmental sciences. Eligible members must be in active standing, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit a 1,000-word essay on contributions to environmental health issues.

Contact

Robert C. Perriello Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 37
Hope, RI 02831
(401) 222-2749

Scholarship Link

21. Ronald D. Araujo Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 13th

With funding provided through the Rhode Island Foundation, the Ronald D. Araujo Memorial Scholarship is designed to present $1,000 annually to a student athlete who is currently matriculated as a full-time undergraduate student at Johnson and Wales University. Eligible candidates must be Rhode Island residents, demonstrate financial need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, and demonstrate outstanding athletic performance.

Contact

Ronald D. Araujo Memorial Scholarship
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 598-1468

22. Stephen P. Marra Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: October 26th

In honor of a beloved restaurateur and the former chairman of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association who passed away unexpectedly in 2011, the Stephen P. Marra Memorial Scholarship is granted for up to $2,000 for deserving students who are furthering their education towards a career in food service, lodging, or tourism industries. Applicants must be Rhode Island residents, be pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree, and submit a personal statement of career objectives.

Contact

Stephen P. Marra Memorial Scholarship
94 Sabra Street
Cranston, RI 02910
(401) 223-1120

23. Tam Tran Scholarship

Deadline: February 28th

Sponsored by the Cesar Chavez Scholarship Fund in honor of a DREAMer who changed the lives of countless undocumented students worldwide, the Tam Tran Scholarship is designed to present $500 to Rhode Island residents who were born outside of the United States and live here without the legal permission of the federal government. Candidates must be high school graduates enrolling for the first time in an accredited university, demonstrate financial need, showcase academic potential, and agree to volunteer with other undocumented students.

Contact

Tam Tran Scholarship
P.O. Box 25118
Providence, RI 02905

24. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Rhode Island Scholarships

Deadline: Ongoing

Along with a bonus pay of $585 per contract and a $50 travel stipend each semester, the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Rhode Island Scholarships have been established to cover 80 to 90% of all tuition costs for educators, administrators, and home childcare providers across the state who are pursuing a degree in early childhood education. For consideration, early childhood educators must be pursuing an associate's degree at the Community College of Rhode Island or a bachelor's degree at one of the four campuses for Rhode Island College.

Contact

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Rhode Island Scholarships
945 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 490-9960

25. Thomas F. Black Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 21st

Established in 1989 by the Rhode Island Bar Association, the Thomas F. Black Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund distributes two awards for $20,000 apiece each year to Rhode Island residents who will be entering their first year at an accredited law school in the United States. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in a program leading to an L.L.B. or J.D. degree, show promise in becoming an outstanding lawyer, and submit two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Thomas F. Black Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
115 Cedar Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-6541

Scholarship Link

Did you know that just being a student or resident of Rhode Island makes you eligible for some amazing funding opportunities that can go a long way towards reaching your fullest academic and career potential? While the experiences obtained in post-secondary education can place you on a road towards success, you will need to pave the way by finding additional financial support to cover rising tuition costs. Luckily, these are just 25 of the scholarship in Rhode Island that are available to help students achieve fiscal flexibility in chasing their college dreams.

Additional Resource: What Does Expected Family Contribution Mean?