RI Foundation launches scholarship program honoring Roger Williams

October 18, 2016 5:06 pm

By: The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A new scholarship program and statewide education initiative has launched honoring Rhode Island’s founding father.

The Rhode Island Foundation unveiled The Roger Williams Initiative on Tuesday at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence.

The group is awarding up to $240,000 a year in college scholarships to Rhode Island high school seniors who display appreciation of the values of Williams, the religious dissident who settled Providence in 1636 and championed religious freedom and democracy.

Up to three students a year will be given scholarships. Each will be eligible for as much as $20,000 per year for as many as four years.

The deadline for the first year of scholarships is February 16th, 2016.

The initiative is funded by philanthropists John and Leticia Carter.

It includes a new educational website: findingrogerwilliams.com.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island.

In 2015, the Foundation awarded $41.5 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities.

Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.