College will be more affordable for nearly 400 students residing in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills thanks to scholarships awarded by Connecticut Community Foundation for the 2021-22 academic year. The awards total more than $976,000 and are for students attending two-year and four-year schools across the country. This total also includes support for students at Naugatuck Valley Community College, which will be awarded later this year. NVCC will direct those scholarship funds to worthy students, many of whom are “non-traditional,” attending school at different stages of life and careers.
“The cost of a college education can be an overwhelming obstacle for many families. Students should be able to use this time to explore new horizons while earning their degrees, not be burdened by financial stress” said Julie Loughran, President and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation. “Thanks to local people who have created scholarship funds with us over a span of decades, the Foundation is proud to provides financial relief for promising local students, so they can direct their energy toward following their dreams.”
Jon Guzman, who will receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Elizabeth H. Andersen and Nina E. Andersen Scholarship Fund for the 2021-22 academic year, has proven himself to be a leader at his high school, Waterbury Career Academy. Jon received the Hispanic Ambassador Award and demonstrated his academic prowess by taking 17 college level courses, for a total of approximately 60 college credits, while also serving as captain of the soccer team. Jon intends to major in Finance and Management at the University of Maine. “The opportunity of being endowed with this scholarship will allow me to focus on my higher educational pursuits in the field of business,” said Jon. “Being awarded such a generous amount will lessen my financial burden, allowing me to follow academic interests in research, multicultural advocacy and representation, and projects that aid the community, without worrying about my financial situation.”
Over decades, donors have established more than 150 college scholarship funds at the Foundation to benefit area students. Among the largest scholarship providers in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills, the Foundation has made more than 6,700 awards from these funds—totaling over $13 million—to local scholars since 1999.
View the complete list of students by town who have been awarded scholarships by Connecticut Community Foundation for the 2021-22 academic year at www.conncf.org/scholars. To learn more about establishing a scholarship fund at the Foundation, visit www.conncf.org/create-a-fund/.
Established in 1923, Connecticut Community Foundation fosters an equitable and inclusive community in Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills by inspiring generosity, supporting organizations and cultivating effective leaders. The Foundation provides leadership in addressing the region’s critical issues, strengthens local nonprofit organizations through grants and technical assistance programs, and works with individuals, families and corporations to establish and steward scholarships and charitable funds. Learn more at www.conncf.org.
