Brown University has awarded 20 college-bound Providence high school graduates grants from its Fund for the Education of the Children of Providence. The students were honored Wednesday evening in the home of Brown President Christina Paxson during an event attended by school administrators, elected officials, the students, and their families and friends. All have plans to attend two- or four-year institutions of higher learning in September.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Brown University honored twenty Providence high school graduates chosen to receive scholarships from the Fund for the Education of the Children of Providence during an event at President Christina Paxson’s home Wednesday evening, June 24, 2015.

Before receiving their scholarship checks and certificates of achievement, the students, their parents, and school and elected officials listened to remarks by President Paxson and Susan Lusi, superintendent of Providence schools. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza was also in attendance to congratulate the individual students. The students each received a $2,500 scholarship toward their college expenses. All of the students plan to attend two- or four-year institutions of higher education in the coming year.

Proud parents, family, friends
Scholarships awarded by Brown University recognize academic achievementy, good high school attendance, financial need, and community contributions. Recipients are headed for nearly a dozen colleges, including Brown and other Rhode Island institutions.

“These young scholars epitomize the values of hard work, determination and endurance,” Paxson said. “It’s a privilege for Brown to play a part in supporting them as they continue on their educational journeys next year.

For the last three years, the Fund, an endowment established in response to recommendations from the University’s Steering Committee on Slavery and Justice, has been used to support the scholarships awarded to Providence public high school graduates.

“I am extremely thankful to Brown University, the Fund, and President Paxson for helping to ensure that higher education is a reality for our deserving students,” Lusi said. “Brown’s substantial commitment to this scholarship award over the last three years has helped enable dozens of Providence youth to pursue their college dreams.”

A broad-based committee chooses recipients of the awards. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA throughout high school, have a strong attendance record, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students who would be the first in their families to attend college. Applicants are asked to write short essays as part of the application. Essay options include questions about how the students have contributed to their communities and the steps they will take to make sure they graduate college.

The 2015-16 Fund for the Education of the Children of Providence Scholars

  • Elyssa Perez attended Classical High School and is coming to Brown University.
  • Valerie Diaz attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for The University of Rhode Island.
  • Cheikh Gaye attended E-Cubed Academy and is headed for Connecticut College.
  • Edwin Gonzalez Almanzar attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for Rhode Island College.
  • Eunice Orellana Cabrera attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for Rhode Island College.
  • Makara Keo attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for Rhode Island College.
  • Francy Mata attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for College of the Holy Cross.
  • Fatima Dewan attended Hope High School and is headed for the University of Rhode Island.
  • Melissa Mota attended Central High School and is headed for Roger Williams University.
  • Jeremiah Cole attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for the University of New Haven.
  • Stephen Sando attended Mount Pleasant High School and is headed for the University of Rhode Island.
  • Elmer Torres attended E-Cubed Academy and is headed for Brandeis University.
  • Evans Godwin Agyemang attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for Rhode Island College.
  • Karina Berroa attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for Bryant University.
  • Toluwalope Akinosho attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is still finalizing college plans.
  • Angela Martinez attended E-Cubed Academy and is headed for Denison University.
  • Lony Martinez attended Mount Pleasant High School and is headed for the University of Rhode Island.
  • Steve Poueriet attended Hope High School and is headed for Providence College.
  • Jayson Perez attended Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School and is headed for Rhode Island College.
  • Kevin Leon attended Mount Pleasant High School and is headed for the University of Rhode Island.