Community Foundation Awards $1.2 Million in Scholarships to 294 Eastern Connecticut Students

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded $1.2 million in scholarships to 294 students for the 2026–2027 academic year, helping students across the region pursue higher education and prepare for careers in a wide range of fields.

This year’s scholarship recipients represent 36 towns across Eastern Connecticut and are pursuing paths as varied as pediatric nursing, marine biology, civil rights law, law enforcement, entrepreneurship and more.

“Our scholarships provide critical financial support, helping students invest in their education while reducing the burden of student loan debt,” said Jennifer O’Brien, Program Director at the Community Foundation.

Since establishing its scholarship program in 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $13 million in scholarships to over 4,000 students. These awards are made possible by generous individuals, families and organizations who have established scholarship funds at the Foundation to invest in students and expand access to educational opportunities.

The Foundation administers more than 125 scholarship funds, each reflecting the interests and intentions of the donors who established them. Scholarships support students with a broad range of backgrounds, educational goals, and career aspirations, helping make higher education more attainable for young people throughout the region.

The Community Foundation’s investment in students extends beyond scholarships. Through its grantmaking, the Foundation also supports after-school programs, college access initiatives, career exposure opportunities and other efforts designed to help young people—particularly those in communities with fewer resources—learn, grow and prepare for their futures.

“Behind every scholarship is a donor who believes in the potential of young people in our region,” said Maryam Elahi, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. “Their generosity opens doors for students and helps build a stronger future for Eastern Connecticut.”

To learn more about scholarships at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, visit CFECT.org/scholarships.