Best Higher Education Grants in Connecticut

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

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.

Connecticut high school seniors pursuing study at a Connecticut State College or University or a Connecticut State Community College can receive scholarship support through the Elizabeth Long Anderson Scholarship. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation offers awards of US $1,000, with past recipients eligible to re-apply while they remain enrolled at qualifying institutions.

Full-time undergraduates in higher education fields at 4-year Connecticut Space Grant Consortium member institutions can receive $3,000 scholarships for STEM and space-related studies. NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium prioritizes new applicants, requires at least one completed semester, and funds the semester following the award for eligible Connecticut students.

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

Community College Scholarship

Student applicants must be full-time students at the time of application at one of the 2-year Community College Consortium Member Institutions with a strong academic record. First-semester students are not eligible to apply as a transcript showing at least one completed semester is required with your application.  

New applicants will be given priority over recent awardees. Students in their final semester are not eligible to apply for scholarships, as awards must be applied to the semester following award. Scholarships may not be applied retroactively.

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

Community College Transfer Scholarship

Students must demonstrate that they began their postsecondary education at a community college where they enrolled for a minimum of two terms and are currently enrolled full-time at a 4-year Consortium Member postsecondary education institution. First-semester students are not eligible to apply, as a transcript showing at least one completed semester at the 4-year affiliate is required with your application. Students may only be awarded the Community College Transfer Scholarship once in their academic careers.

The Sharon Orloski Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports students at Central Connecticut State University pursuing degrees in life sciences. This scholarship particularly favors women demonstrating commitment and potential in scientific fields, aiming to enhance academic achievement and promote women's representation in the life sciences. With a focus on fostering future leaders, it reflects the Foundation's mission to inspire philanthropy and address community challenges through education.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

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.

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.