Rhode Island Foundation is offering college scholarships of up to $20,000 to local students

W22NS2CK T Local high school seniors have until eb. 12 to apply for college scholarships of up to 20,000 through the Carter Roger Williams ,nitiative at the Rhode ,sland oundation. Conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter, the program honors the principles of the state s founding father.

Roger Williams personified principles that are as valuable today as they were in the earliest days of our state. Thanks to the vision of the Carter family, young people across Rhode ,sland will be exposed to his remarkable legacy, said Jessica avid, executive vice president of strategy and community investments.

Members of the Class of 2020 who display an appreciation for the values of Roger Williams are eligible for up to 80,000 over four years based on financial need and academic good standing. Applicants must be residents of Rhode ,sland, high school seniors and attend a public, parochial or independent high school in Rhode ,sland.

Candidates will be evaluated based on financial need, comprehension and application of Roger Williams principles and record of academic and community achievement. More details about the scholarships are posted on findingrogerwilliams.com.

Woonsocket students have been among the winners in each of the past three years. Woonsocket High School graduate Alfusatny Saine, a first-year student at the University of Rhode ,sland, is one of last year s recipients. The six winners received scholarships that could total 320,000 over four years.

Roger Williams possessed the ability to be open minded, he showed integrity and had courage. These are values that , try to emulate in my daily life to become a better me. He exemplified many core values that associate with myself, and had many more that , wish to someday obtain. He served as a role model for me, a young man from Rhode ,sland, and showed that with enough faith anything is possible, said Saine.

The Carter Roger Williams ,nitiative also includes a free online education hub at findingrogerwilliams.com that offers activities and discussion starters on Roger Williams and his teachings for elementary, middle and high school educators to use in their classrooms.

The purpose is to enhance a sense of place and awareness by providing people across Rhode ,sland with access to resources that bring to life our state s founder and his teachings, said avid.

Also available online is a comprehensive collection of verified information about Roger Williams and his life, legacy and character.

This initiative is intended to encourage study and examination. Roger Williams was a complex man, he was forward-thinking and yet very much a man of his time.

or more information about applying for a scholarship, visit rifoundation.org.