Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Scholarships

Geographic Scope: Eastern Connecticut (34 of 42 towns in service area)

Focus Areas: Educational support for students pursuing higher education

The Community Foundation administers multiple scholarship programs through funds established by various donors. In 2025-2026, the foundation awarded $1.2 million in scholarships to 278 students.

What They Fund: Scholarships for students pursuing diverse educational paths including:

• Pediatric nursing
• Chemical engineering
• Marine biology
• Architecture
• Diplomacy
• Civil rights law
• Physical therapy
• Law enforcement
• Writing/authorship
• Cosmetology
• Entrepreneurship

Additional Support: In addition to scholarships, the foundation makes grants for:

• After-school programs
• College access programs
• Career exposure programs
• Programs targeting students with the least resources

Impact to Date: Over $13 million has been awarded to 4,000 students since the foundation's first scholarship fund was established in 1983

Student Demographics: Recipients come from 34 of the 42 towns in the Foundation's service area

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