Matthew Chew Memorial Scholarship Grant

The Matthew Chew Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Matthew Chew, supports students pursuing degrees in the arts, particularly in painting, drawing, or music performance. With an award range of $500 to $1,000, the scholarship aims to assist those from East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Montville, New London, Norwich, Stonington, and Waterford. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded significant scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals.

Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships from 136 funds established by generous individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits to help area students pursue an education and establish rewarding careers.
Established in memory of Matthew Chew, who was an asset to the community, not in the way of politics or community service, not in the way of fame or fortune, but in the way that he was the kind of person you wanted around, the kind you want to know, the kind who would make your life better just by knowing that such great, genuine people exist. He was born in Japan on May 16, 1985 and grew up in Gales Ferry, CT, graduating from Ledyard High School in 2003. Throughout his life, he developed a strong connection to the art and music community and had an affinity for meeting new people and making them laugh. Matthew had bipolar disorder and ADHD and used music and art as an outlet to cope. He always talked about returning to school to pursue a degree in the Arts but hadn't yet due to constraints of time and money. His life was tragically cut short on October 30, 2010, through a random act of violence in New London.
Scholarship awards are paid to colleges by August 1.

Eligibility

For students pursuing a degree in the arts, with a preference for painting, drawing or music performance.