The death of a young, pregnant Black woman inspired her lifework.
Health Sciences and Nursing Scholarships
Rhode Island College offers a variety of scholarships to students interested in pursing a career in nursing or the health sciences, such as nursing, medical imaging, biology, long-term care administration and/or health care administration.
| Name of Scholarship | Scholarship Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Beneficent Congregational Church Award (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $3,000) | Beneficent Congregational Church has established this Award to benefit a female nursing student of color at the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing. This award comes from a fund established at the Church in 1905 for "the education and care of young women." This scholarship is awarded to a part-time or full-time female nursing student of color. Eligibility includes a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 as well as a 3.0 in nursing courses, demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required), and evidence of Zvart Onanian School of Nursing activities and service to the college and community. Applicants must submit a typewritten essay about their personal philosophy of nursing. |
| Class of 1957 Endowed Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $950) | This fund was established by the Class of 1957 on their 50th Golden Anniversary of their graduation from Rhode Island College of Education. It is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student in the nursing program who is a Rhode Island resident entering either their junior or senior year and who demonstrates financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required). |
| Debra A. Dumont Memorial Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $500) | This endowment fund was established by the family and friends of Debra A. Dumont, a senior nursing student at Rhode Island College whose life was claimed in a fatal car accident just prior to her graduation. It provides scholarship support for students at the College who are following in Debra’s footsteps and who are very much like her in their passion for nursing as a profession. This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time junior or senior nursing student who is working while completing their degree. Selection is based on the candidate’s commitment to nursing as reflected in a typewritten essay, as well as work status, U.S. citizenship, Rhode Island Residency, and demonstrated need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required). |
| Doris Mathewson Award (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $6,000 distributed to multiple students) | This award from the Beneficent Congregational Church honors Doris Mathewson upon her retirement from parish nursing by benefiting nursing students at Rhode Island College. This scholarship is awarded to part-time or full-time nursing students. Eligibility includes a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 as well as a 3.0 in nursing courses, demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required), and evidence of Zvart Onanian School of Nursing activities and service to the college and community. Applicants must submit an essay about their personal philosophy of nursing. |
| Eleanor M. Olson Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $300) | This scholarship fund was a gift from members of Eleanor Olson’s family and friends. It is awarded to a full-time or part-time nursing student who is a Rhode Island resident with a GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants must write a typewritten essay that answers the following two questions: Why did you choose nursing as a profession? How do you think you will contribute to the field? Preference is given to descendants of graduates from the former Pawtucket Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. |
| Frances Benson Memorial Scholarship | Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate juniors majoring in nursing. Applicants must also demonstrate active participation in the Rhode Island College Student Nursing Association. |
| Frederick S. Crisafulli MD Memorial Scholarship Fund | Applicants must be studying Italian and/or pursuing a career as a medical professional. |
| Dr. Joseph L. and Norma A. DiLibero Endowed Scholarship | Applicants must be enrolled as full-time biology majors who have completed a minimum of 60 Rhode Island College credit hours. Applicants are also required to submit an application, letters of recommendation and a research proposal. |
| Karla Carroll Memorial Nursing Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $700) | Karla Carroll was a graduate of the Rhode Island College nursing program. She loved nursing and dedicated herself to helping people. Her mother funded this Scholarship in Karla’s memory. This scholarship is given to a junior or senior basic nursing student or R.N. to B.S.N. nursing student who loves nursing and loves helping people as Karla did. Recipients must have a GPA greater than 2.5 and must submit a typewritten essay explaining why they chose nursing as a profession and providing some examples of how they help people. |
| Kristen A. Dupré Memorial Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $900) | The family and friends of Kristen Dupré established this to honor Kristen and her legacy of compassion, ambition, and inspiration that encouraged others to join the nursing profession. All recipients must demonstrate a similar spirit and passion for the nursing profession as Kristen possessed. The recipient must be enrolled full-time in the basic baccalaureate nursing program with the intention of achieving a B.S.N. and must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required). The student must also submit a typewritten essay about why they qualify for the scholarship. |
| Lloyd Matsumoto Biology Scholarship | Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate seniors majoring in biology. Applicants must also be seeking admission to graduate or professional school. |
| Lucy C. Ayers Memorial Foundation Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $19,000 distributed to multiple students) | The Lucy C. Ayers Memorial Foundation Scholarship aids students currently enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program. The recipient of this scholarship must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required) and have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. |
| Maureen Azar Scholarship | Students must have a minimum of 60 credits in Health and Physical Education, must be in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need. The student must also show a commitment to family, education and/or community. |
| Mary E. Love Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $2,700 equally divided between two students) | This scholarship is awarded to support nursing students who have exemplified superior achievement, leadership qualities, and high professional standards, as did Mary E. Love. The recipient must be junior or senior full-time undergraduate nursing students; applicants may be R.N. to B.S.N. students. An overall GPA of 3.2 and a 3.00 GPA in each nursing course taken is required. The student must have above-average clinical evaluations and must show evidence of involvement in Zvart Onanian School of Nursing activities and service to the college and community. |
| Mary M. Keefe Scholarship | Applicants must be enrolled as biology majors who have completed 48-59 Rhode Island College credit hours. They must also have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in physical science courses and a minimum GPA 3.5 in the major. Applicants must be in good academic standing and submit a statement of intent testifying to plans for continued study and a career in the biological sciences. |
| The Picerne Family Scholarship | Applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students majoring in nursing or education with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2. They must also be a Rhode Island resident and qualify for financial need. Applicants are required to submit a 250-word essay articulating:"Why the applicant is deserving of this award." |
| Professor Edythe Anthony Scholarship Fund | Applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate juniors or seniors majoring in biology or a closely related science. Applicants must also demonstrate talent and/or acumen in the chosen field of study. |
| Rhode Island Medical Imaging Endowed Scholarship | Applicants must be enrolled full-time at Rhode Island College; Applicants must major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, RT Computed Tomography or Radiologic Technology; Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher; Applicants must submit a typewritten 500-word essay describing their professional goals and how receiving the scholarship would impact achieving them; Involvement in activities that seek to improve society and advance Applicants’ personal or professional growth is highly desirable. |
| Robert H. I. Goddard and Hope Drury Goddard Fund (AY 2024-2025 awards: two full-tuition awards | The Robert H. I. Goddard and Hope Drury Goddard Fund is donated by the Goddard family. The fund provides full tuition for first-generation students seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing at Rhode Island College. The student must be born in a country other than the United States or be the child of at least one parent born in a country other than the United States. The student must be enrolled full-time in the basic baccalaureate nursing program and demonstrate need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required). |
| Robert M. Young Endowed Scholarship | Applicants must be graduate students and submit brief statements of no more than 750 words that speaks to the value of their master's research experience in relationship to the individual career goals. This award is based on overall merit. If there is no graduate students identified for this award, then it should be awarded to the most deserving undergraduate research student. |
| The Stella Joy Bunnell Endowed Scholarship (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $ 1,900) | This Scholarship was established by Brian Krueger, baby Stella's grandfather, in Stella's memory to support nursing students at Rhode Island College Applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate juniors or seniors majoring in nursing. They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.3. Applicants are required to submit a typewritten essay about: "Why the applicant is pursuing a degree in nursing." |
| The TUP Family Scholarship | Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate freshmen majoring in nursing. Applicants must also be first-generation college students residing in Pawtucket and commuting to the college and qualify for financial need. |
| William F. Ciambrone Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Nursing (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $275) | This scholarship was created by William Ciambrone’s children to honor his memory and his high regard for the nursing profession and for higher education. The scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time declared nursing major who resides in Rhode Island. The recipient must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required) and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application for the scholarship. |
| Zvart Onanian Endowed Scholarship {1st year for scholarship distribution} (AY 2024-2025 approximate award: $2,500) | This scholarship has been established by Edward Avedisian with love and respect for his sister, Zvart Avedisian Onanian. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time nursing major with a minimum GPA of 3.25 and qualify for financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid (FAFSA required). They must also demonstrate a commitment to the field of nursing. |
“As a combat medic, I was the authority on my squad, but I won’t be that as a nurse. Nursing is more team centered, and, at RIC, caring is a culture,” says Sgt. David Fields.