Community Foundation Partners to Award 1,157 Scholarships Supporting Post-Secondary Education

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.” 

 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. 

The following students, listed by county, school district and type, received scholarship support this year to  help with their post-secondary studies:

JEFFERSON COUNTY 

Faith Fellowship Christian School 

Chloe Gleason 

Zachary Main 

General Brown Central School