Mayor Elorza Announces Bradford Scholarship for Providence Students

New book scholarship provides $70K a year to help students with financial need attain a college education
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined members of the City Council, Superintendent Chris Maher, Providence School Board members, Providence Public School District officials, and students at Classical High School to announce the Edward Hinkling Bradford Scholarship. The book scholarship aims to assist Providence public school and public charter school students pursuing a college education who demonstrate financial need through individual $750 awards.
“In Providence we are ‘All In’ for education and I’m thrilled to offer this scholarship for students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their studies and their communities,” said Mayor Elorza. “College affordability is a major issue both nationally and locally, which is why my administration is committed to supporting students through programs like the Bradford Scholarship. I encourage families to spread the news about this opportunity and urge students to apply today.”
As established in Bradford’s 1974 will, the scholarship will be granted to students “without reference to excellence in scholarship,” who may be unable to obtain financial assistance for costs beyond tuition and will also take into account attendance and extracurricular service, among other factors. The sum of the award takes into account reports that the average cost for books for undergraduate students is approximately $600 per semester.
“The costs associated with college can be daunting to any student pursuing higher education and can represent a real hardship for many Providence families,” said Superintendent Christopher Maher. “The new Bradford scholarship helps address this important need, for our graduating seniors and our alumni currently attending college.”
Scholarship applicants must be current students or graduates of Providence public schools or public charter schools and must submit a completed application form, short essay, FASFA Student Aid Report, and a letter of recommendation from a current teacher by the June 1, 2017 deadline.
“I have experienced the same financial barriers to pursuing higher education our students continue to face today,” said School Board President Nicholas Hemond. “Non-tuition costs add up quickly for college students, and this book scholarship will provide additional support to help Providence students succeed, and achieve their goals.”
A scholarship review committee overseen by the Superintendent of the Providence Public Schools will review applications and determine recipients. 90 scholarships are expected to be offered this year. Applications for the scholarship can be found at www.providenceschools.org/bradford. Students may receive the Bradford Scholarship no more than twice and may mail applications to the Office of the Superintendent at 797 Westminster Street or email education@providenceri.gov.