PRESS RELEASE
The Sapienza Scholarship, offered by the New Canaan Community Foundation, stands distinct in its commitment to the ongoing educational journey of New Canaan students. Since its establishment in 2006 through a generous bequest from Anne and Anthony Sapienza, it has provided need-based, renewable financial assistance each academic year for the past 18 years, ensuring financial obstacles never hinder the educational aspirations of our community’s students.
As we draw closer to this year’s scholarship deadline on May 10th, the Foundation encourages New Canaan students to take advantage of the Sapienza Scholarship. With awards up to $10,000 per year, this scholarship is a substantial resource designed to support educational pursuits annually for those who qualify. This is a clarion call for students to step up and apply for the resources that the New Canaan Community Foundation has earmarked for their success. To learn more about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit newcanaancf.org/apply-scholarships.
Sapienza Scholarship opens the door to additional support for students with specific interests. Dedicated community servants can also apply for the Joseph F. Dorrico Rotary Award, and students who have set their sights on careers in healthcare can also apply for the Silver Hill Scholarship. These additional opportunities further exemplify the Foundation’s comprehensive approach to nurturing the potential of New Canaan’s youth.
Ariel Levine (left), a Sapienza Scholarship beneficiary and a first-year student at Franklin & Marshall College, offers a compelling testimony to the transformative impact of this scholarship. Majoring in law, Ariel’s academic and career aspirations are fueled by her personal experiences and a deep-seated desire to advocate for underserved communities.
“This scholarship has granted me the confidence to pursue my dreams without the burden of financial stress,” Ariel reflects. “It has opened doors to opportunities I would have otherwise had to forego due to financial constraints.” One such opportunity is her involvement in a community-based research course titled ‘Open Doors, Closed Borders,’ where she works directly with recently resettled refugees in Lancaster, exploring the educational challenges they face. This hands-on experience, which demands nearly ten hours of her weekly schedule, has been made possible by the financial freedom the Sapienza Scholarship provides.
Ariel is grateful for the support from the New Canaan Community Foundation and its donors. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she says. “Your support not only alleviates my financial concerns but also reinforces my commitment to achieving educational excellence and giving back to the community.”
