Rhode Island Scholarships

Rhode Island high school seniors who embody Roger Williams's values may apply to the Rhode Island Foundation for the Carter Roger Williams Scholarship. Up to $20,000 per year is offered, renewable up to three additional years with financial need and satisfactory academic standing. Five awards are granted annually. Submit an essay, transcripts, residency proof, and FAFSA documentation by March 2. The Carter family funded the program to broaden college access for Rhode Island students.

The Ocean State Media Scholarship offers up to $15,000 annually to Rhode Island residents and Bristol County, Massachusetts residents in Ocean State Media's market who demonstrate promise in journalism or media careers. High school seniors entering accredited four-year colleges and enrolled undergraduates may apply through the Rhode Island Foundation universal application with essays, transcript, resume, recommendation, and a work sample. Awards renew up to three additional years. The application opens each January with an April 13 deadline.

Undergraduate students with at least one year of college completed, or graduate students, at accredited U.S. institutions whose daily lives are guided by spiritual values may apply. Preference goes to candidates residing in or attending schools in Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $7,000 and may be renewed for subsequent years. Apply with three autobiographical essays, three letters of recommendation, an official transcript, and an in-person interview. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need. Albert and Toni Roothbert established the Fund to support students whose actions reflect strong moral and spiritual values.

Practicing folk and traditional artists age 18 or older who have lived in Rhode Island at least 183 days per year and are legal U.S. residents with a tax identification number may apply. Applicants must demonstrate the highest level of craft skill in a folk or traditional art form rooted in community heritage. First-time applicants are welcome. Two unrestricted fellowships are awarded each cycle: one for $7,000 and one for $3,000. Funds support the artist's practice and career rather than a specific project budget line. Applications open February 1 and close April 1 at 11:59 p.m. through the Foundant online system. Panel review follows an eligibility prescreen. The funding period supports projects occurring between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. RISCA is Rhode Island's state arts agency, administering folk arts fellowships with support from the Rhode Island State General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Practicing Rhode Island artists may apply for three-year unrestricted operating grants of $6,000 per year ($18,000 total). Three new artists are selected each year, with nine active recipients at any time. Funding supports self-identified artistic goals such as studio time, materials, space, collaborators, research, or marketing rather than a single project. Prior GOSA recipients and current RISCA staff/board are ineligible. Applications open July 1 and close September 1 annually through the Foundant grant system. Final reports are due July 31 each award year. RISCA defines practicing artists broadly across disciplines and evaluates artistic vibrancy, intention, and career impact.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Polish descent who are women entering the first, second, or third year of an M.D. program at an accredited U.S. medical school may apply. First preference goes to Massachusetts residents, then to New England applicants if no Massachusetts candidates qualify. The award is a non-renewable $3,500 scholarship. There is a $40 application fee.

Single parents who are Rhode Island residents may apply for the Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship through the Rhode Island Foundation's universal scholarship application. Awards range up to $2,000 and are renewable; past recipients may reapply. Preference goes to parents currently or previously receiving state aid or those who have been previously incarcerated. Submit the universal application with all required documents. The scholarship helps single parents in Rhode Island pursue higher education despite financial obstacles.

Woonsocket, Rhode Island residents who are beginning college may apply for scholarships from Firm Foundation Christian Church. Applicants should demonstrate involvement in community, school, and church activities. Three recipients each receive $1,000 annually. Funds are disbursed directly to the recipient's chosen college. Complete the application with personal and academic information, provide one academic reference and one Christian reference (such as a church leader or teacher), and submit a 200-word-or-fewer essay on the provided prompt. The top five candidates are interviewed briefly, and three recipients are selected. Email the completed application by April 15.

Rhode Island high school seniors graduating in June who participate in extracurricular activities and community service may apply for Academic Advantage's $500 Scholarship Grant. One award is offered. Submit report cards, proof of community service and extracurricular involvement, and a recommendation letter from a school staff member describing you as a good role model. Mail or fax materials to Academic Advantage in Warwick, Rhode Island. The grant recognizes Rhode Island graduates who balance academics with service and activities.