Carter Roger Williams Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Rhode Island Foundation

Purpose and background
This scholarship was created to push students (and their families) to think bigger about what’s possible. It honors Roger Williams — a Rhode Island founder who rose from modest beginnings, whose commitment to education shaped his life, and whose belief in separation of church and state helped set a national standard. The Carter Roger Williams Scholarship was established by the late philanthropists Letitia and John Carter and is administered by the Rhode Island Foundation. If Roger Williams’ values resonate with you, this award is designed for students who embody them.

Award at a glance
- Amount: Up to $20,000 per student, per year.
- Renewal: Awards may be renewed for up to three additional consecutive years (after the first award) with proof of continued financial need and satisfactory academic standing.
- Purpose: To help students enroll at colleges or universities that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

Who is eligible
- Current senior at any Rhode Island high school (public, independent, or private).
- Resident of Rhode Island.
- Accepted by an accredited post-secondary institution by the date of the award.

What to submit (stand-alone application)
- Completed Carter Roger Williams Scholarship application (submitted through the Rhode Island Foundation’s secure online scholarship platform).
- Personal essay demonstrating your understanding of Roger Williams’ legacy and how you apply those principles in your life.
- Transcript(s) showing your academic record.
- Résumé worksheet (if required by the application).
- Letters of recommendation and any other supporting documents requested on the application.

How applications are evaluated
The Rhode Island Foundation oversees a competitive, two-stage process (initial application review to identify finalists, then interviews by an advisory committee). The advisory committee and Foundation staff use these weighted criteria:
- Financial need — 45%: Provide clear evidence of your family’s financial situation and explain how this scholarship would make a meaningful difference.
- Understanding and application of Roger Williams’ legacy — 35%: Use your personal essay to show both comprehension of his principles and concrete ways you live those values.
- Academic record — 20%: Demonstrated by your transcript and academic performance.

Key deadline and where to apply
- Deadline: 11:59 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2026.
- Apply: Through the Rhode Island Foundation’s secure online scholarship platform.

Want to learn more?
Read about Roger Williams and his legacy online, and visit the Rhode Island Foundation website for the application and detailed instructions. If you think this scholarship fits your goals, start preparing your essay and documents now — strong applications take time.