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Providence Public Schools Announces $108,000 Available through 2024 Edward Hickling Bradford Scholarship $750 Book Scholarships to Help Students with Significant Financial Need

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Public School District (PPSD), in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the City of Providence, today announced that the 2024 Edward Hickling Bradford Scholarship application is now live, with up to $108,000 in total funds available for eligible Providence seniors. Made possible by the Bradford Trust, scholarships of $750 are awarded to Providence students applying to colleges who demonstrate significant financial need. The scholarship, named in honor of the esteemed physician, can help pay for a range of expenses including textbooks, course credit, and more, further empowering recipients to pursue postsecondary education.

 

“As we transform and reimagine Providence high schools through school redesign, our mission is clear: empower every student with the tools and opportunities for success in both college and career. From developing transformative dual-enrollment partnerships with higher education to expanding work-based learning opportunities, we are actively working during the Turnaround to realize this vital goal. It would be a disservice to our students if financial barriers hinder their path to higher education,” said RIDE Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We are proud to announce the 2024 Edward Hickling Bradford Scholarship and encourage all eligible families apply. Scholarships are a gateway to unlocking opportunities and realizing dreams that may otherwise feel out of reach.”

 

“These scholarships are important for Providence students pursuing higher education and career paths,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “I'm grateful to the Bradford Family for their immense generosity, ensuring that every Providence student has the chance to further their education and realize their full potential.”

 

“All students should have the opportunity to pursue higher education and obtain a college degree. The Edward Hickling Bradford Scholarship can help students get one step closer to having that opportunity,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “We thank the late Mr. Edward Hickling Bradford for his commitment to the youth of Providence. Through the Bradford Trust, more Providence students, no matter their financial status, will have support to attend college.”

 

 

 

“The PPSD School Counseling Department is excited to share this scholarship opportunity to help seniors pursue their college aspirations,” said PPSD Director of School Counseling for Gina Silvia. “We hope many students apply for this scholarship.”

 

In alignment with the view that all students should have the opportunity to attend college regardless of their families’ income, the Bradford Trust was established in Dr. Edward Hickling Bradford’s honor to help Providence School students pursue a college degree.

 

In order to be eligible for the $750 scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

 

  • Must be a current student living in and attending a public school in Providence, or have graduated from a public school in Providence while residing in the city. Qualifying public schools include those in PPSD, public charter schools, and all other public schools as recognized by RIDE.
  • If one is a current senior attending a Providence public school:
      • Must provide proof of acceptance for an associate’s, bachelor’s degree or technical program at an accredited institution of higher education.’
      • Must demonstrate a significant financial need through expected family contribution (EFC) of $7,500 or less as indicated by FAFSA completion.
      • Must demonstrate an involvement in extracurricular/community involvement.
  • If one is a current student attending a higher education program, same criteria apply as above. 

In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must complete and submit this online form by 11:59 p.m. April 12, 2024. A complete application includes the following:

 

  • One short essay. 
  • Upload a letter of recommendation from a current teacher.
  • Upload your FAFSA Student Aid Report.

 

Note: Under special circumstances, applications submitted without FAFSA information will be considered. Students may receive the Edward Hickling Bradford Scholarship no more than twice. Information on how to submit an application can be found at tinyurl.com/PVDBradfordScholarships.

 

If you have any questions about the application or trouble submitting, please reach out to PVDBradfordScholarships@ppsd.org.

 

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