Seventeen Warwick residents are among dozens of students statewide who will share nearly $500,000 in scholarships from the Rhode Island Foundation.

The local recipients include Kayla Barry of the University of New England, Julia Brandenberg of Mercer University, Breana Coleman of Franklin Pierce University, Brandon Crisostomi of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), Michael Desmarais of the University of Rhode Island (URI), Timothy Desmarais of University of Scranton, Anthony Gluck of CCRI and Elizabeth Preuit of Rhode Island College.

Other Warwick recipients include Megan Holmes of Rhode Island College (RIC), Nikki Russo of RIC, Sarah Gold of American University, Samantha Collins of URI, Lexi-Amber Hassell of Western New England University, Rebecca Bessette of the St. Joseph School of Nursing, Erick Javier of URI, Brittany Wilson of CCRI and Dera Silvestre of Boston University.

Silvestre was one of four Rhode Island students to receive a college scholarship from the R.I. Association of Former Legislators Scholarship Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. A member of Pilgrim High School’s Class of 2015, Silvestre was recognized for her dedication and contributions to public service.

“I believe that education is the key to eliminating division between people, and I would like to use the education that I have been lucky enough to receive to help others. By studying communications, I would like to connect people. I truly believe that as human beings, we are all connected. Using my education, I’d like to help other people see that,” she said.

Silvestre was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, participated in model legislature, was a member of the field hockey, lacrosse and track teams, and volunteered at Special Olympics of Rhode Island. She will attend Boston University.

Dozens of individual and organizational donors established scholarship funds at the Foundation to help students defray educational expenses such as tuition, fees and books.

“These scholarships honor not just the recipients, but the donors who make their dream of a better future come true,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “The benefits of their generosity will pay dividends for decades as these young people enter the workforce and the civic life of their communities.”

The Cataract Fire Company #2 Scholarship was established to benefit high school seniors who are residents of Warwick and entering their first year of college or vocational/technical post-secondary education. Cataract recipients are Kayla Barry, Breana Coleman, Anthony Gluck and Elizabeth Preuit.

In addition to general scholarship assistance, some funds target specific geographic areas or provide assistance based on gender, economic status or special circumstance.

The Melvin and Patty Alperin First Generation Scholarship is earmarked for high school seniors who are accepted or enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college whose parents did not graduate from college.

The Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda Goldman Education Award is for women pursuing education or job training beyond high school who need assistance with transportation, child care, educational materials or other support services.

The Foundation also offers a number of awards targeting students studying everything from social work or the arts to textile technology or filmmaking.

The Albert and Florence Newton, Edward and Virginia Routhier and Willard and Marjorie Scheibe scholarship funds target students studying nursing.

A complete list of scholarships, application deadlines and eligibility requirements is posted on the Foundation’s website at www.rifoundation.org.