Best Higher Education Grants in Connecticut

The Stonington 350th Anniversary Scholarship, established by the Stonington Historical Society, aims to support residents of Stonington pursuing unique educational opportunities. This scholarship is part of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut's commitment to fostering education and community development, having awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships since 1983. It encourages local students to achieve their academic and career goals, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable community.

The Connecticut GI Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program offers two $2000 scholarships for students diagnosed with chronic gastrointestinal illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease. Aimed at supporting higher education, this initiative recognizes the challenges faced by these students and encourages their academic pursuits. Eligible applicants must be Connecticut residents or enrolled in Connecticut post-secondary programs and must provide documentation and recommendations as part of the application process.

Connecticut higher education students who have already received a Farmington UNICO scholarship can access funding through Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to continue their post-secondary studies. Awards of US $1,500 - US $2,000 support students with financial need who have maintained at least a B average, complementing the original one-year UNICO scholarship.

The William and Gladys Murdock Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports Pomfret residents pursuing higher education. Since 1983, the Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to empower local students in their educational and career aspirations. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors and current college students, including those seeking graduate degrees, fostering academic success in the region.

The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program offers financial assistance and career preparation for legally blind college students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Through competitive scholarships, the program supports higher education at select institutions in the Tri-State area, fostering independence and professional development. Recipients are selected based on academic performance and essential skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for future careers. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also enhances the quality of life for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Preparation for Academic Transition to Higher Education (PATH)

What is the PATH grant?

Preparation for Academic Transition to Higher Education (PATH) is a competitive grant program administered by the CT Office of Higher Education (OHE). It helps Connecticut nonprofit organizations (NPOs) develop relationships with public high schools to help their academically high-achieving disadvantaged juniors and seniors:

• Apply to a degree program at a Connecticut college or university
• Submit a FAFSA form and pursue scholarships and grants

An academically high-achieving disadvantaged student is unlikely to achieve their academic potential without programmatic intervention due to circumstances outside their control.

PATH-funded programs are provided for at least 30 weeks across the traditional fall and spring terms.

OHE oversees PATH grantees. PATH programs must maintain student records and file periodic reports in response to accountability procedures established by OHE. OHE staff also periodically visit PATH programs to gauge their quality and compliance with program guidelines.

Promoting Academically Successful Students (PASS)

What is the PASS grant?

Promoting Academically Successful Students (PASS) is a competitive grant available through the Minority Advancement Program (MAP). It helps institutions of higher education (IHEs) fund programs that support undergraduate minority students on academic warning or probation. The programs are available to students during the fall and spring semesters.

PASS addresses low enrollment and graduation rates for minority students (mainly Black, Hispanic, and Latino). In Connecticut, about 12 percent of Black and 16 percent of Hispanic or Latino students enroll in an IHE compared to 52 percent of white students. Similarly, 54 percent of Black and 62 percent of Hispanic or Latino students graduate compared to 75 percent of white students.

Students are given an academic warning or placed on probation when they don’t meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards. Students who don’t meet SAP standards2 may lose their financial aid and be dismissed from school. The SAP standards are:

Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA

Students must complete two-thirds of all attempted courses

Students must complete their program of study without attempting more than 150% of the credits required to complete the degree

OHE oversees all PASS grantees.

CT Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP)

What is the ConnCAP grant?

Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP) is a competitive grant program available through the Minority Advancement Program (MAP). It helps fund pre-college programs offered by Connecticut colleges and universities. These programs help disadvantaged students at public middle and high schools:

• Improve their academic skills and graduate from high school
• Enroll in college and succeed in a degree program

An academically high-achieving disadvantaged student is unlikely to achieve their academic potential without programmatic intervention due to circumstances outside their control.

ConnCAP programs are delivered year-round (fall, spring, and summer). They support students for at least:

• 30 weeks across the fall and spring semesters
• One week of intensive programming in the summer

OHE oversees ConnCAP grantees. ConnCAP programs must maintain student records and file periodic reports in response to accountability procedures established by OHE. OHE staff also periodically visit ConnCAP programs to gauge their quality and compliance with program guidelines.

Booth Ferris Foundation provides Connecticut higher education institutions with capacity-building support, offering US $50,000 - US $200,000 for strengthening organizational infrastructure. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) colleges or universities in New York State with annual budgets over $1 million; institutions in Connecticut and other listed states may review guidelines to see if they fit regional priorities.

The William J. McCarthy Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Mystic or Groton pursuing bachelor's degrees. Applicants must be in the top 10% of their high school class and demonstrate financial need. With over $11.9 million awarded since 1983, this scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering education and rewarding careers in the region.

Students from Norwich, Connecticut with financial need who plan to attend an accredited college or university can receive scholarship support for higher education. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s Laura B. Seder Memorial Scholarship awards approximately US $1,000, with preference for applicants interested in the field of law.

Cherokee Nation citizens pursuing higher education in New England, including Connecticut, can receive a one-year Clarkson Family Scholarship for college or other post-secondary study. Cherokee Nation Foundation supports higher education in Connecticut and nearby states by offering this scholarship to full-time students or graduating seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA.

The American Savings Foundation offers Graduate School Scholarships to past ASF Scholars pursuing degrees in education, social work, or related fields, with a preference for those studying in Connecticut. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare through educational support, fostering academic advancement among local students, and contributing to the overall improvement of the region's quality of life.

The American Savings Foundation offers scholarships primarily to Connecticut students based on financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. With nearly 400 scholarships awarded annually, this program supports high school seniors, current college students, and nontraditional adult learners pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants must reside in Connecticut and demonstrate a commitment to their educational goals. Awards are renewable for up to five years, fostering long-term educational growth and success.

Female students from Windham County in Connecticut pursuing business or business-related studies at an accredited college or university with financial need can receive scholarship support. With a mission to strengthen education, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides approximately US $1,000 to help local students advance their higher education goals.

Connecticut students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees who have faced a life-threatening illness can receive higher education support through the Spencer’s Hero Academia Memorial Scholarship. Grants from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain provide US $500 - US $30,000 to graduating seniors, past graduates, or current college students meeting residency and GPA requirements.

Outstanding high school students with financial need in Connecticut seeking higher education support can receive approximately US $12,000 for academic scholarships. Focused on higher education, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut invites applicants from East Lyme, Robert Fitch (Groton), Montville, New London, and Waterford High Schools to pursue college or other post-secondary studies.

Connecticut high school students pursuing higher education in business or related fields can receive approximately US $500 in scholarship support, with priority for New London and Norwich Free Academy students active in community service. Focused on higher education, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut invites eligible students with financial need and good academic standing to apply.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

Graduating students from New London High School or other New London-based technical or vocational schools in Connecticut seeking higher education can receive scholarship support through this leadership award. With a mission to strengthen education, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides approximately US $1,000 to help local graduates pursue post-secondary studies.

Connecticut high school students seeking higher education support can receive approximately US $4,000 for college through the Rita & Myron Hendel Scholarship. Focused on higher education, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut invites motivated New London High School students who show promise to apply for this academic scholarship opportunity.

Students in Connecticut planning to attend a 4-year college or university can receive approximately US $1,000 for higher education through the Robert L. Howard, Jr. Scholarship. With a mission to support education, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut favors applicants showing good character, community service, and a connection to motocross or the Central Cycle Club.

Full-time undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students pursuing HVAC&R-related studies in Connecticut and other ASHRAE Region I states can receive scholarship support for higher education. American Society Of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers offers the Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship, awarding up to US $3,000 to students meeting GPA and accredited-program criteria.

The Rose & Abraham Lubchansky Scholarship, established by family and friends of the late community leaders, supports New London High School graduates who demonstrate excellence in civics and government. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing a bachelor's degree, fostering the next generation of civic-minded individuals. Since 1983, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students achieve their educational goals and build rewarding careers.

The Ruben Elijah Reiser Johnson Scholarship honors a talented young artist who passed away at 16. Established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, it supports graduating high school seniors and current college students from New London County pursuing visual arts. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded millions in scholarships, fostering education and careers in the arts. This scholarship aims to empower future artists to achieve their dreams, ensuring Ruben's legacy continues to inspire.

The Sharon E. Burrows Scholarship, established in memory of Sharon Burrows, supports graduating high school seniors from New London County. Eligible students must be in good academic standing, demonstrate financial need, and pursue post-secondary studies in visual and applied arts or culinary arts. Since 1983, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students achieve their educational and career goals.

The Dr. Lorraine G. Spranzo Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, is designed for graduate nursing students pursuing advanced degrees at Connecticut universities or residents attending schools outside the state. Applicants must have completed 12 credits, possess an active Connecticut nursing license, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship supports dedicated nursing professionals in enhancing their education and leadership roles in healthcare.