At the time of year when colleges are sending out financial aid packages, the Rhode Island Foundation has announced it is now accepting applications for more than $1.5 million in scholarships.

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

“Each one of these scholarships turns dreams into reality for our donors and our recipients,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “The impact of their generosity will ripple through community for generations.” 

Among those awards targeting Warwick residents are, The Cataract Fire Company #2 Scholarship, Marissa Salabert Memorial Scholarship Fund, TGHS ’82 Renee Tetreault Newell 9/11 Scholarship and the Daniel Brian Cohen Scholarship. 

The Foundation also offers a number of awards targeting students studying everything from social work or the arts to textile technology or economics. The Albert and Florence Newton, Edward and Virginia Routhier, Willard and Marjorie Scheibe and Alan Edgar Wurdeman scholarships are for students studying nursing.

“College provides many opportunities to build a bright and promising future. Receiving a scholarship plays a crucial role in covering all the costs. My scholarship encourages me to work to the best of my abilities and to strive to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse,” said Jared Podmaska, a Rhode Island College student from Johnston who received a Newtown scholarship.

Other funds provide assistance based on gender, economic status or special circumstance.

The Melvin and Patty Alperin First Generation Scholarship is earmarked for high school seniors whose parents did not graduate from college, while the Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship and Frances Macartney Porter Fund are open to low-income single parents.

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