Carter Roger Williams Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Rhode Island Foundation

Overview
This annual scholarship seeks to motivate students — and their families — to imagine greater possibilities for their future. Applicants who understand and reflect the values and legacy of Roger Williams are especially encouraged to apply.

About Roger Williams
Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, rose from modest beginnings and credited education with shaping his beliefs and public life. He played a central role in establishing the principle of separation of church and state adopted by the nation and helped create the “lively experiment” that became Rhode Island. His commitments and ideals remain highly relevant today. (Further information about his life and contributions is available online.)

History of the Award
The Carter Roger Williams Scholarship was established and endowed by the late philanthropists Letitia and John Carter.

Award Amount and Purpose
- Award: Up to $20,000 per student, per year.
- Intended recipients: Graduating high school seniors who reside in Rhode Island.
- Renewability: Awards may be renewed for up to three consecutive years after the initial award, contingent on documented continued financial need and maintenance of academic good standing.
- Purpose: To help students enroll at a college or university that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

Administration and Selection Process
The Rhode Island Foundation administers the scholarship. An advisory committee made up of community members and Foundation staff oversees the competitive selection. The process has two phases:
1. Initial review of complete applications to identify finalists.
2. Interviews of finalists conducted by the advisory committee.

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Complete the stand-alone application for the Carter Roger Williams Scholarship (this application may request essays, transcripts, a résumé worksheet, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials).
- Be a current senior at any Rhode Island high school (public, independent, or private).
- Be a resident of Rhode Island.
- Have been accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution by the date the award is made.

Evaluation Criteria (and relative weighting)
Applications will be judged by the advisory committee using these factors:
- Financial need — 45%: Applicants must supply documentation that explains family financial resources, anticipated educational expenses, and how the scholarship would materially affect their ability to pursue higher education.
- Understanding and application of Roger Williams’s legacy — 35%: Through a personal essay, applicants should demonstrate knowledge of Roger Williams’s principles and provide examples of how they put those values into practice in their own life.
- Academic record — 20%: A transcript should show evidence of solid academic achievement and intellectual seriousness.

Deadline and How to Apply
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.
- Submission method: All applications must be filed through the Rhode Island Foundation’s secure online scholarship platform.

For questions or to locate additional resources about Roger Williams and the Carter Roger Williams Scholarship, consult the Rhode Island Foundation’s website.