604 scholarship applications considered by Gateway Foundation volunteers

Awards and Celebration in May

With the help of Program Coordinator Chris Gentile, center, Gateway students Nas Bell, Ediz Gureli, Julia Duprey, and Mike Coppola prepare for the CT State Culinary Showcase hosted at Gateway. Culinary Arts is one of more than 90 degree and certificate programs the college offers.

More than $100,000 will be awarded in scholarships, fellowships, and much-needed laptop computers for the 2023-24 academic year. Scholarship awards will be announced in early May, and the Foundation’s 14th Annual Donor/Scholar celebration will be held during a May 19 brunch at the college. The celebration is a high point each year for generous and visionary individual and corporate donors and the students, who appreciate the support and recognition of their hard work.

According to Ruby Melton, Gateway Foundation Board member and Co-Chair of the Board’s Scholarship Committee, 604 applications were submitted by the April 1st deadline, a rise of more than 100 percent over last year’s total of 296. “That’s an enormous increase, and we are so grateful to our 60 volunteer reviewers. “They take their responsibility very seriously because they know how important this help is to Gateway students. Every one of our applicants has a compelling story to tell.”

Fellow Foundation Board member, Scholarship Co-Chair, and retired Gateway Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Wilson Luna, agrees. “Of all our state’s 12 community colleges, Gateway serves the most economically challenged students,” said Dean Luna. “Often, getting a scholarship can spell the difference between withdrawing from school and completing their education.”

It’s never too late to do a good deed! Raising money for Gateway scholarships is a year-round effort. Your gift – small or large – to the Gateway Foundation makes students’ dreams of a better future a reality. It’s also a great way to honor or remember someone who has made a difference in your own life. To be a scholarship donor, please go to www.gatewayfdn.org/donate. For more information about establishing a scholarship fund by bequest or through a gift of appreciated securities, email Victoria Dancy, vdancy@gwcc.commnet.edu, or call her at (203) 285-2558. The Gateway Foundation is an IRS-qualified 501 (C)3 organization, so your charitable donation is tax deductible.

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