Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Announces $1.2 Million in 2025 Scholarship Awards

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded $1.2 million in scholarships to 278 students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Recipients come from 34 of the 42 towns in the Foundation’s service area. Scholarships range from small, one-time awards to large, multi-year awards.

Among the recipients are aspiring pediatric nurses, chemical engineers, marine biologists, architects, diplomats, civil rights attorneys, physical therapists, police officers, authors, hair stylists and entrepreneurs. The Community Foundation is dedicated to increasing opportunities for these and all young people in Eastern Connecticut to discover and follow their educational path towards a healthy, productive future. In addition to scholarships, the foundation makes grants for after-school, college access and career exposure programs to students in the region with the least resources.

“Tuition is rising everywhere, including at Connecticut’s state universities and even community colleges,” noted Program Director Jennifer O’Brien. “Our scholarships offer critical support for many students in eastern Connecticut to invest in their education without their being shackled by student loan debt.”

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors who have established funds at the Community Foundation. Over $13 million has been awarded to 4,000 students since the foundation’s first scholarship fund was established in 1983.

About the Community Foundation

Serving 42 towns and comprised of over 620 charitable funds, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut puts philanthropy into action to address the needs, rights and interests of the region, focusing on four priority areas: empowering youth, promoting basic needs and rights, preserving the environment, and advancing animal welfare. The Foundation stewards net assets of over $121 million and has awarded over $100 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofits and students since its founding in 1983. To learn more, visit cfect.org.