Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) is accepting applications for the 2024 Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 1995 by Catherine,  a long-time educator,  board member and valued OSCIL  volunteer. Her wish was to support the philosophy and spirit of OSCIL through a scholarship that would facilitate access to education for persons having a disability.

 Qualified applicants for this $1000+ scholarship must be Rhode Island residents with a significant disability and seeking financial assistance to attend college or technical school. This can include enrollment in an academic, trade, or vocational program. The scholarship can be used toward the attainment of assistive/adaptive equipment or devices to access such educational opportunity as well as for other educational expenses. Preference is based on career goals, merit, and economic need.

 Applications are available at www.oscil.org/scholarship to be downloaded and submitted via the OSCIL website. Completed applications can also be faxed to (401)738-1083 or mailed to: Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship, c/o OSCIL, 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889, Attn: J. Vardakis.

 Mailed applications must be postmarked by March 22, 2024. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. The Scholarship Committee will choose this year’s scholarship recipients in April and applicants will be notified of their decision by email shortly thereafter. Scholarship funds are disbursed in mid-August.

For any questions concerning the application process, please contact Jessie Vardakis by email at jessie.vardakis@oscil.org.