Students are encouraged to apply for available scholarships by April 15 deadline

MONTGOMERY, NY (January 5, 2021) – A total of nearly 150 scholarships worth nearly $420 thousand will be awarded this spring to students in Orange and Sullivan counties. High school seniors and adults returning to college are encouraged to apply now for these scholarships which are available through the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS).

Students can apply online for scholarships at www.cfosny.org until April 15. After filling out a single application, they will be notified of which specific scholarships they are eligible for and whether those scholarships have additional application requirements. This streamlined process makes it easier for students to find the best fit scholarship opportunities for their unique circumstances and abilities.

“We’re proud to support deserving young people and other students realize their dreams of higher education or career training,” said Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan President and CEO Elizabeth Rowley. “A college education gets more costly each year and thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, the Foundation is able to offer a wide range of scholarships annually which make a tremendous difference for local students and their families.”

The most recent scholarship fund established in the CFOS family of funds is the Gail Culver Memorial Scholarship which will be awarded in the Port Jervis school district. The scholarship honors the memory of Gail Culver, a beloved retired teacher who taught for 30 plus years in several school systems, including Port Jervis and Sussex, NJ.

“Teaching was not just a profession for Gail; it was a lifestyle. She taught, motivated, encouraged and inspired those around her all the time,” said her daughter Amanda Davis. “Gail worked hard to build, foster and maintain positive relationships with every student. Her care and compassion impacted many and she changed lives for the better.”

The Gail Culver Scholarship will be awarded to one or two graduating senior(s) from Port Jervis High School who show a sincere effort to excel academically despite an academic and/or physical obstacle/disability, are involved in extracurricular activities and/or school clubs and volunteer their time by giving back to the community. Priority will be given to a student who demonstrates qualities that make them a positive role model for other students. These qualities include determination, compassion, a passion for education, a positive attitude for life, a sense of humor, and an independent spirit. Donations to the Gail Culver Scholarship Funds can be made at www.cfosny.org/gail-culver-scholarship-fund/.

For more information or to apply for Community Foundation scholarships, visit www.cfosny.org or call CFOS Programs and Donor Services Coordinator Melissa Pawlak at 845-769-9393.

About the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS): Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, the Foundation helps philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations establish charitable funds that will award grants and scholarships, for good, forever. The Foundation has significantly increased the region’s charitable capital and has empowered donors to make a profound difference in the quality of life in our region.Since its inception, CFOS, with its donors and fund representatives, has awarded more than $15 million in grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan currently administers 322 active charitable funds that represent more than $34 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health and human services, recreation and youth. To learn more, visit cfosny.org.