“Empire State College has broken down so many barriers to higher education by creating access to busy students no matter their age or life circumstances,” said Susan Dake, president of Stewart’s Foundation. “We are happy to be a small part of their mission.”
The Stewart’s Shops Community College Scholarship program was created to support students who have graduated from one of the 14 SUNY community colleges located in the Stewart’s Shops’ service area. The $1,000 scholarship is for one academic year and half the total amount is awarded each semester.
In 2012, Stewart’s Shops renewed a three-year scholarship commitment and increased its gift to $60,000, $20,000 dollars each year for three years, and the college foundation is matching this gift.
“The generous and continuing scholarship program by Stewart’s Shops is another example of their commitment to the community and we are very grateful for their support,” said Hugh B. Hammett, vice president of the college’s Office of External Affairs. “We know the scholarship recipients are well educated and very likely to complete their bachelor’s degree at Empire State College thanks to the high-quality education they have earned at their SUNY community college.”
The scholarship program was first established in 2007 with an annual gift of $14,000 per year and that continued through 2011. The college foundation provided matching funds.
When the current pledge is completed in 2015, this program will have provided almost a quarter of a million dollars in scholarship funding.
Eligible students are invited to apply online at www.esc.edu/stewartsshops. The application deadline for next year is June 7.
