Youth Awards and Scholarships

Jane Purtill Fuller Scholarship for Nursing or Social Services Candidates

To recognize the many contributions of our past employee and long-time supporter of Suffield Community Aid, the Board of Directors dedicates an annual needs-based scholarship in memory of Jane Purtill Fuller.  This $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Suffield high school senior pursuing a nursing or social service field of study (e.g., social work, psychology, criminal justice, counseling, etc.). Applicants must live in Suffield but do not need to attend Suffield High School for consideration (e.g., may attend Suffield Academy, Loomis Chaffee, Northwest Catholic High School, etc.).  Applicants wishing to apply are encouraged to complete the common application at Suffield High School or call SCA at (860) 668-1986. 

James F. Coggins, Jr. Community Service Award

In memory of our late volunteer and Board member, James F. Coggins, Jr., Suffield Community Aid (SCA) offers a $1,500 award to a graduating Suffield high school senior who demonstrates selflessness, generosity, and concern for the Suffield community through their volunteer activities.  Jim was highly engaged and passionate about the Suffield community and neighboring towns through his involvement with Sacred Heart Church, SCA, the Suffield Zoning Board of Appeals, and a volunteer with the Enfield Food Shelf. He was also an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Applicants for this award must live in Suffield but do not need to attend Suffield High School for consideration (e.g., may attend Suffield Academy, Loomis Chaffee, Northwest Catholic High School, etc.).  Applicants are required to submit a 500-word (max.) essay supporting their selection to SCA at 450 South St. Suffield, CT 06078 or by email at [email protected].  The deadline to apply is in early May.

Kathy Ostrowski Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Kathy Ostrowski was a beloved Suffield resident and former SCA Board member who had a passion for helping others within and beyond her commitment as a nurse.  Since 2022, SCA awards a $1,500 needs-based scholarship to a Suffield graduating senior, in pursuit of a nursing degree.  Seniors who do not reside in Suffield but attend high school in Suffield will be considered (e.g., VoAg Program at SHS, Suffield Academy, etc.). Applicants wishing to apply are encouraged to complete the common application at Suffield High School or call SCA at (860) 668-1986. 

Suffield Community Aid “Forward Focus” Scholarship

Created in 2024, the SCA Board of Directors established this $1,500 scholarship to offer graduating Suffield High School seniors financial support as they pursue job and educational goals post-graduation.  Applicants must live in Suffield but do not need to attend Suffield High School for consideration (e.g., may attend Suffield Academy, Loomis Chaffee, Northwest Catholic High School, etc.).  This needs-based scholarship is offered to seniors who have committed to a trade or vocational school, 2-or-4 year college, or other identified job readiness program.   Applicants are required to submit a 250-word (max.) essay supporting their selection to SCA at 450 South St. Suffield, CT 06078 or by email at [email protected].  The deadline to apply is in early May.

Meghan Voisine “Kindness Matters” Grant: Youth in grades 5-12 who are interested and passionate about giving back to their community are encouraged to apply for a “Kindness Matters” grant, in honor of Meghan Voisine.  Megan was known for her positive attitude, desire to make others feel welcome, and a commitment to inclusion.  She was tragically killed in a hit and run accident in October 2021.  In her honor, SCA accepts applications from individual youth and youth groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, school clubs & teams, etc.) to provide grant funding for youth-led projects to promote Meghan’s values of kindness, equity, acceptance, and inclusion.  Grants applications will typically be open during the early spring months and are available by emailing Danielle at [email protected] or at McAlister, SMS & SHS.