MSC senior wins state scholarship
Coura Fall gets Roger Williams scholarship
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation is sending a Woonsocket student off to college with a scholarship honoring Roger Williams, the state’s founding father. Coura Fall won the four-year, renewable scholarship through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative, which was launched last year by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter.
“Roger Williams had the opportunity to further his education because of those around him. Thanks to the vision of the Carter family, we are able to encourage students and their parents to think big about what’s possible for their future,” said Foundation Executive Vice President Jessica David, who leads the initiative.
High school seniors from throughout Rhode Island competed for the scholarship assistance. Fall was selected based on academic achievement, financial need, appreciation for Roger Williams’ values and record of community service.
A senior at Mount St. Charles Academy, Fall participated in debate, creative writing and Mod- el Legislature and volunteered at Seven Hills in Woonsocket. She plans to attend American University in Washington, D.C.
“I want to join the Peace Corps and work with people from developing areas in order to improve their quality of living. I am also in- terested in studying anthropology and exploring different cultures. However, I am particularly interested in studying human rights and international law,” she said.
In her application, Fall described how Roger Williams’ values guide her own life.
“The ideas of Roger Williams have influenced me to pursue a vocation and future career in international relations. Roger William’s basic dogma of respect, tolerance and kindness are basic tenets of any decent society, and so I want to help instill that everywhere I go,” Fall added.
The daughter of immigrants from Senegal, Fall will be the first in her family to attend college.
“The concept of the American Dream motivates everyone to work hard in order to prosper. My parents have inspired me and my two younger sisters to work hard and never give up. Growing up in a culture that emphasizes education and hard work so much really pushed me to always do my best, knowing that those efforts would cultivate themselves into success for the future,” she said.
Fall is one of just seven Rhode Island students to receive scholarships through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative at the Foundation. The winners are eligible for nearly $300,000 in college aid over four years.
In addition to the scholarships, the Carter Roger Williams Initiative offers a website – findingrogerwilliams.com -- that includes educational resources for students and educators and awards grants of up to $400 to underwrite school field trips to the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence.
“By providing access to resources and opportunities inspired by our state’s founder and his teachings, we are promoting a sense of place and awareness for all Rhode Islanders,” said the Foundation’s David.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $38 million and awarded $43 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2017. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.