FAQ
WHAT IS THE POC TRANSFORM RI SCHOLARSHIP?
Simply put, it is an opportunity for young Rhode Islanders to express their hopes and dreams for how they would create change in our communities with the most need, while providing them financial assistance for higher education and related costs, such as healthcare and housing.
HOW MANY STUDENTS CAN ENTER PER SUBMISSION?
Only one student per submission is allowed.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Rhode Island high school students are asked to answer only one question as part of their scholarship application:
“If you had a million dollars to improve the lives of those who need it most in Rhode Island, how would you do it?”
The top ten (10) entries will receive a one-time scholarship award, and the Papitto Opportunity Connection will invest $1,000,000 to activate the first-place entry.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING FOR ME TO APPLY?
There is no fee to apply.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP?
Any Rhode Island high school student who attends a public, private, charter or parochial school in Rhode Island or who is in a registered home-school program.
DO I NEED TO DEMONSTRATE FINANCIAL NEED AS PART OF THE APPLICATION?
No, this scholarship is not contingent upon financial need.
HOW DO I ANSWER THE QUESTION AND PRESENT MY IDEA?
Students can tell us about their idea in three different ways: You can write an essay of no more than 1,000 words. Create a video no longer than 3-minutes or develop a comparable multi-media presentation. It is important to keep in mind – essays or videos exceeding those limits, will NOT be considered.
HOW MUCH ARE THE SCHOLARSHIPS?
First place is $25,000. There will be two $15,000 awards. Two $10,000 awards and five $5,000 awards. These scholarships are one-time only and not renewable. Previous winners are not eligible to participate.
WHAT CAN THE SCHOLARSHIP BE USED FOR?
The scholarship funds can be used for expenses relating to a student’s education at an accredited two-or-four-year college/university or vocational/technical school in the United States of America and/or for other qualifying expenses such as tuition, housing and/or healthcare expenses.
IF MY IDEA WINS, CAN I BE A PART OF MAKING MY IDEA COME TO LIFE?
Absolutely. POC welcomes you as part of the strategy and development process to make your idea a reality.
HOW IS MY APPLICATION JUDGED?
Each application will be judged on the following criteria:
Does it align with the mission of the Papitto Opportunity Connection to improve the lives of those who need it most in Rhode Island by creating success for them in education, job skills training, business, healthcare or housing?
Is your idea realistic and feasible?
Will your idea change the lives of people or communities who need it most in Rhode Island?
How creative is your idea?
WHO WILL JUDGE THE APPLICATIONS?
There will be two rounds of judging. The initial applications will be judged by a sub-committee of the Papitto Opportunity Connection Advisory Board. The top 10 entries will then be judged by a panel of individuals, including the managing trustee of Papitto Opportunity Connection and others not affiliated with POC.
WHEN CAN I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?
Applications are accepted between January 15, 2024, and April 7, 2024. All completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. April 7, 2024.
WHEN WILL THE WINNER’S BE ANNOUNCED?
Winners will be announced in May 2024. Further details to be announced.