396 Rhode Island students are currently pursuing postsecondary degrees with the help of a College Crusade Scholarship

Providence, R.I., June 14, 2011 – The College Crusade of Rhode Island announced today that it awarded over $1.3 million in college scholarships to 396 Rhode Island students enrolled in postsecondary institutions during the 2010-2011 academic year. Scholarship recipients this year are residents of 16 different RI communities, with the majority from Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket. Most are attending colleges in Rhode Island and nearby New England.

“As college costs continue to rise, our students need as much financial support as possible to turn their plans for higher education into reality,” said Todd D. Flaherty, President & CEO of The College Crusade. “For many of them, the College Crusade scholarship award is a deciding factor for success because it allows them to focus on their classwork instead of having to take an extra job while they are in school. Knowing the support is there motivates Crusaders to do their best and eases the anxiety their families may feel at the prospect of high college loan debt.”

The College Crusade works in close partnership with the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA) to administer its scholarship awards. “We are pleased to work with The College Crusade as part of our commitment to make college accessible and affordable for Rhode Island students,” said William H. Hurry, Jr., Executive Director of RIHEAA. “These scholarships are making a positive difference in the lives of Crusaders and making the dream of college a reality for these students.”

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Since 2001, The College Crusade has awarded over $23 million in college scholarships to more than 3,000 graduates from Rhode Island high schools. Scholarships are available for Crusaders accepted to all public and private colleges in Rhode Island and to a number of colleges in other states. Scholarships either are awarded in cash or are donated by a postsecondary institution through membership in The College Crusade Scholarship Collaborative.

Colleges, universities, and trade schools that donated scholarships to Crusaders for the 2010-2011 academic year are Brown University, Bryant University, Connecticut College, Dean College, Johnson & Wales University, Lesley University, New England Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Providence College, Quinnipiac University, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams University, Salve Regina University, Sawyer School of Business, University of Rhode Island, and Yale University.

About The College Crusade of Rhode Island
The College Crusade of Rhode Island is the state’s most comprehensive college-readiness and scholarship program for middle school and high school students in low-income urban school districts. It serves approximately 3,500 students per year and rewards their efforts and achievements with up to four years of college scholarships. From grade 6 through grade 12, Crusaders experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate year-round in activities that focus on academic enrichment, social and personal development, career awareness and exploration, and readiness for college. Since 2001, The College Crusade has awarded over $23 million in college scholarships to more than 3,000 graduates from Rhode Island high schools. For more information, please visit www.thecollegecrusade.org.

The College Crusade is a nonprofit organization funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP program, by the State of Rhode Island, and by private corporations, foundations, and individuals.