Scholarships & Educational Support
The Connecticut Family Foundation is dedicated to empowering the next generation by offering scholarships and grants that reduce financial barriers for students and cadets. We believe that access to education is a fundamental building block for strong communities, and this page outlines our current opportunities and the process for applying for support.
Available Scholarships & Grants
We offer several scholarships and grant opportunities throughout the year. Click below to learn more about each program.
Scholarship of The Year
General Scholarships
U.S Airmen's Performance & Readiness Grant
The U.S Airmen's Performance & Readiness Grant is a $500 award administered by the Connecticut Family Foundation biannually to recognize Airmen who demonstrate excellence in mission readiness, leadership, and commitment to the health of the force. This grant supports service members who embody the principles of resilience, operational performance, and service to their fellow Airmen. This scholarship is independently administered by the Connecticut Family Foundation and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Airforce.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
-
Be an active-duty Airman, or a member of the Reserve or National Guard
-
Demonstrate a strong commitment to mission readiness and wingman culture
-
Have no adverse administrative or disciplinary actions within the previous 12 months
-
Obtain a supervisor or commander endorsement confirming the applicant’s professionalism, leadership, and character
Essay Prompt (less than 500 words):
"Describe how you contribute to mission readiness and the health and resilience of the force within your unit. In your response, explain how your actions reflect the values of leadership, service, and commitment to the well-being of your fellow Airmen."
Connecticut Family Foundation Scholarship
The Connecticut Family Foundation Scholarship is awarding 2 students with a $500 supplemental scholarship to those who are committed to strengthening families and building healthier communities.
Essay Prompt:
Describe a time when you helped support or uplift others in your community. How did that experience shape your understanding of compassion, service, and long-term opportunity for families and individuals? Explain how you plan to continue contributing to stronger communities in the future.
Purpose
The Connecticut Family Foundation Healthcare Leadership Scholarship Program was established to support and recognize future healthcare professionals who demonstrate leadership, compassion, innovation, service, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of Connecticut residents.
Through this program, the Connecticut Family Foundation honors outstanding healthcare leaders whose dedication to patient care, professional excellence, and community service continues to strengthen healthcare throughout Connecticut.
Each year, the Foundation may award one or more of the following named scholarships:
-
The Jacob Routhier, APRN Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare Award
This award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to improving healthcare access, quality, technology, and patient outcomes. The award honors Jacob Routhier, APRN, whose leadership and dedication to advancing healthcare delivery through innovation continue to improve the lives of Connecticut residents.
2. The Janine Brooks, APRN Leadership and Compassion in Healthcare Award
This award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, compassion, and service to others. The award honors Janine Brooks, APRN, whose calm leadership, clinical excellence, and compassionate patient care have positively impacted countless patients, families, and healthcare professionals throughout Connecticut.
3. The Maria Toplosky, APRN Excellence in Patient Care and Service Award
This award recognizes students who demonstrate compassion, dedication to service, patient advocacy, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of their communities. The award honors Maria Toplosky, APRN, whose devotion to patient care and professional excellence serves as an inspiration to future healthcare professionals.
Scholarship Awards
• Awards may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
• One or more recipients may be selected annually.
• Scholarship funds shall be paid directly to the recipient's accredited educational institution.
• Applicants will be considered for all eligible awards through a single application process.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
• Be a resident of Connecticut.
• Be accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited healthcare-related educational program.
• Demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, integrity, and community involvement.
• Demonstrate a commitment to improving healthcare, patient outcomes, healthcare access, healthcare innovation, or community well-being.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
• Completed scholarship application.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Academic transcript.
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance.
• One letter of recommendation.
• Essay of no more than 300 words.
Essay Prompt
In 300 words or less, describe how leadership, service, compassion, or innovation have influenced your desire to pursue a healthcare career and how you plan to improve the health and well-being of Connecticut residents.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Academic achievement
• Leadership potential
• Community service and volunteerism
• Commitment to healthcare and service
• Innovation and problem-solving
• Character and professionalism
• Quality of essay submission
Scholarship Committee
Recipients shall be selected by the Connecticut Family Foundation Scholarship Committee. The Committee may consist of healthcare professionals, educators, business leaders, community members, and Foundation representatives. All decisions of the Committee shall be final.
Recognition of Excellence
Through these named awards, the Connecticut Family Foundation celebrates healthcare professionals whose leadership, innovation, compassion, service, and dedication continue to strengthen healthcare across Connecticut while inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Healthcare Leadership Scholarship Program
Blanca Lidia Mendez Compassion and Service Scholarship Fund
Purpose
The Blanca Lidia Mendez Compassion and Service Scholarship Fund was established by the Connecticut Family Foundation to honor the life and example of Blanca Lidia Mendez, a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor, and source of strength for countless individuals.
Blanca's compassion extended far beyond her own family. She welcomed others with kindness, offered guidance during difficult times, and provided unwavering support to those facing life's challenges. Her generosity, wisdom, and love helped shape the lives of many people, including individuals who were not related to her by blood but considered her family through her actions and care.
Through her example, Blanca demonstrated that one person's compassion can inspire generations. Today, her influence continues to be reflected in the values, actions, and achievements of her family and all those whose lives she touched.
This scholarship seeks to recognize students who strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others and who aspire to become a source of encouragement, hope, leadership, and service within their communities.
Scholarship Award
• Annual scholarship award ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
• One or more recipients may be selected annually
• Scholarship funds shall be paid directly to the recipient's educational institution
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
1 Be a resident of Connecticut.
2 Be enrolled in or accepted to an adult education program, GED program, vocational school, technical school, college, university, or other accredited secondary or post-secondary educational institution.
3 Demonstrate good character, community involvement, compassion, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others.
4 Demonstrate a desire to positively impact their family, community, or future profession.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance into an adult education program, GED program, vocational school, technical school, college, university, or accredited educational institution.
• A handwritten essay of no more than 300 words addressed to the Scholarship Committee.
No minimum GPA is required.
Essay Topic
Applicants shall submit a handwritten essay of no more than 300 words answering the following question:
"Describe how compassion, kindness, and service to others have shaped your life. How do you hope to become a positive force and guiding light within your family, community, or future career?"
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based upon:
• Demonstrated compassion and service to others
• Personal character and integrity
• Commitment to family and community
• Perseverance in overcoming challenges
• Quality, sincerity, and thoughtfulness of the handwritten essay
Academic achievement may be considered but shall not be the primary factor in the selection process.
Scholarship Committee
Recipients shall be selected by the Scholarship Committee of the Connecticut Family Foundation.
The Scholarship Committee may consist of educators, community leaders, business professionals, healthcare professionals, and Foundation representatives.
All decisions of the Scholarship Committee shall be final.
Recognition of Service
The Blanca Lidia Mendez Compassion and Service Scholarship Fund recognizes the enduring impact that kindness, generosity, and unconditional love can have on individuals, families, and communities.
Through this scholarship, the Connecticut Family Foundation encourages future generations to lead lives of compassion, service, and integrity while helping others achieve their fullest potential.
Dedication
This scholarship is established in loving memory of Blanca Lidia Mendez, whose compassion knew no boundaries and whose influence extended far beyond her immediate family.
As a mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor, and friend, she provided guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love to countless individuals. She was a source of strength during difficult times and a beacon of hope for those seeking support and understanding.
Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the values she instilled, and the generations she inspired. The Connecticut Family Foundation is proud to honor her memory by supporting individuals who seek to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and serve as a light within their own communities.
Tod Ward Frazer, Sr. Courage, Perseverance, and Service Scholarship Fund
Purpose
The Tod Ward Frazer, Sr. Courage, Perseverance, and Service Scholarship Fund was established by the Connecticut Family Foundation to honor the life, service, sacrifice, and character of Tod Ward Frazer, Sr., a decorated United States Marine Corps veteran whose actions during the Vietnam War exemplified extraordinary courage, resilience, and devotion to others.
During his military service, Tod Ward Frazer, Sr. earned three Purple Hearts and numerous additional military honors in recognition of his bravery and selfless service. Through heroic actions under the most challenging circumstances, he helped save the lives of fellow service members and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to duty, country, and those entrusted to his care.
While his military accomplishments were remarkable, it was his character that truly defined him. He never faltered in the face of adversity, never surrendered to hardship, and never stopped moving forward despite life's challenges. His perseverance, determination, and strength of spirit became the foundation upon which his family built their success and continue to guide future generations.
This scholarship seeks to support students who demonstrate resilience, determination, service to others, and a commitment to overcoming obstacles while pursuing their educational and personal goals.
Scholarship Award
• Annual scholarship award ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
• One or more recipients may be selected annually
• Scholarship funds shall be paid directly to the recipient's educational institution
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
1 Be a resident of Connecticut.
2 Be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college, university, technical school, vocational program, trade school, adult education program, GED program, or other accredited educational institution.
3 Demonstrate determination, perseverance, integrity, and commitment to personal growth.
4 Demonstrate a desire to serve others through leadership, community involvement, education, military service, public service, or professional achievement.
Preference may be given to applicants who have overcome significant personal, financial, educational, family, or life challenges.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance into an accredited educational institution.
• An essay of no more than 300 words addressed to the Scholarship Committee.
No minimum GPA is required.
Essay Topic
Applicants shall submit a handwritten essay of no more than 300 words answering the following question:
"Describe a challenge you have faced in your life and how perseverance, courage, and determination helped you overcome it. How do you plan to use those qualities to positively impact others in the future?"
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based upon:
• Demonstrated perseverance and resilience
• Character and integrity
• Commitment to serving others
• Leadership potential
• Ability to overcome adversity
• Quality, sincerity, and thoughtfulness of the handwritten essay
Academic achievement may be considered but shall not be the primary factor in the selection process.
Scholarship Committee
Recipients shall be selected by the Scholarship Committee of the Connecticut Family Foundation.
The Scholarship Committee may consist of veterans, educators, community leaders, business professionals, and Foundation representatives.
All decisions of the Scholarship Committee shall be final.
Recognition of Service
The Tod Ward Frazer, Sr. Courage, Perseverance, and Service Scholarship Fund recognizes the enduring values of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Through this scholarship, the Connecticut Family Foundation seeks to encourage future generations to face challenges with strength, pursue their goals with perseverance, and dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others through service and leadership.
Dedication
This scholarship is established in loving memory of Tod Ward Frazer, Sr., a proud United States Marine whose service during the Vietnam War reflected extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and devotion to his fellow Marines and his country.
Though he earned numerous military distinctions, including three Purple Hearts, those honors tell only part of his story. His true legacy is found in the perseverance, integrity, strength, and determination that defined his life. He taught by example that obstacles are meant to be overcome, that challenges should never be feared, and that success is earned through hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment.
His influence continues to be seen in the accomplishments, character, and service of his family and all those inspired by his example. The Connecticut Family Foundation is proud to honor his life and legacy by supporting individuals who demonstrate the same courage, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
How to Apply for Scholarships
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Start by carefully reviewing the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship or grant. Ensure you meet all requirements, such as grade level, before moving forward with your application.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Prepare your supporting documents early. This typically includes letters of recommendation from mentors or advisors, and a thoughtfully written essay or statement of intent tailored to the program.
Step 3: Submit Forms
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents. Double-check your submission for completeness and ensure everything is turned in before the stated deadline for each scholarship cycle.
Step 4: Contact Foundation
If you have any questions during the application process or need clarification on specific requirements, our team is here to help. Reach out via our contact page to speak with a Foundation representative.
General Scholarship Application Form
CSRG Scholarship Application Form
Scholarship FAQs
Who can apply for scholarships?
Scholarships are available to students residing in Connecticut including cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Eligibility criteria such as grade level or community service may apply depending on the specific program.
Can I receive more than one award?
Yes, applicants are encouraged to apply for all programs for which they are eligible. Multiple awards can be received if the candidate meets the selection criteria for each unique scholarship or grant.
How often are scholarships offered?
Scholarship opportunities are typically announced annually during the spring semester. However, some specific grants like the Cadet Success & Readiness Grant follow their own unique cycle based on funding availability.
How are decisions communicated?
All applicants will receive an official notification via email once the selection committee has finalized their decision. This process usually concludes four to six weeks following the application deadline.
Questions About Scholarships?
We invite students, families, and advisors to reach out with any questions regarding scholarship eligibility, applications, or upcoming deadlines. Our team is dedicated to supporting your educational journey.
Use the contact form below and select ‘Scholarships’ as your subject, and a member of our team will follow up shortly.