Happy Friday! I hope you’ll take a moment to read this new feature where I’ll be sharing the latest good news and work from your community foundation – all made possible by you, our generous supporters and friends.
This week, we wrapped up another season of our annual scholarship program! We’re honored to be able to support students of all ages on their educational journey by awarding scholarships for a variety of pursuits – college, trades training, and continuing professional education. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams and that financial barriers should not stand in the way of achieving success. To that end, I’m thrilled to announce $250,500 was awarded this week to 53 local students and adults pursuing higher education and training in a wide variety of fields.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is seeing the impact it has on the recipients. The interviews were inspiring and insightful, the award meetings joyful and heartfelt. There were SO MANY smiles – and a few tears (I was brave. I only cried twice.)! For many recipients, a scholarship award is not just a financial boost, but a validation of their hard work and dedication, sometimes in the face of numerous obstacles.
We’re grateful to the local high schools for guiding students toward this opportunity, for Sophia Lyles at the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center for supporting SEVEN first generation students in their application process, and for you, our wonderful donors who care so much about opening the doors to education wider and wider each year. I can’t thank you enough for your care and commitment to these students.
Each gift is a testament to the SJI Community Foundation’s commitment to fostering education and professional growth within our community. We’re excited to follow each student’s journeys to see how this opportunity makes a positive impact in their lives and in the world around them.
Congratulations to all our scholarship winners! We’re all proud of you and will be cheering you on from home!
Cheers,
Amy
SJICF Executive Director
See the recipients on Instagram.