SULLIVAN COUNTY  — The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) announced on February 26 that a total of 175 scholarships worth almost $500,000 will be awarded to high school seniors and adults returning to college. 

“Thanks to the unwavering support of our amazing donors, the Foundation continues to provide a diverse array of scholarships each year, profoundly impacting the lives of local students and their families,” said CFOS President and CEO Elizabeth Rowley. “As the expenses associated with higher education continue to rise, we are honored to stand behind deserving students, empowering them to pursue their aspirations for higher education, vocational training, and enrichment.” 

This year there are several scholarships available for students pursuing the trades, including the Joshua David Glantz Trade School Scholarship for Eldred Central School graduates and the Haddon C. Pantel Memorial Scholarship. Awards will also be given to promote careers in science, health care (John and Deb Rath Health Services Scholarship), and music education (Lloyd F. Sweet, Sr. Memorial Scholarship). 

CFOS Programs and Donor Services Coordinator Lisa Mitchell was excited about the scholarship announcement and urged high school seniors to apply, especially those interested in trades. Mitchell said many high school students seem wary of pursuing trades but emphasized that skilled tradesmen are incredibly valuable in today’s economy: “electrical is a great field; plumbing is a great field.” Mitchell said she received over 700 scholarship applicants last year and expects a similar applicant pool this year.

Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, CFOS is a tax-exempt, non-profit, publicly supported, philanthropic institution with the long-term goal of building permanent, named funds for the broad-based charitable benefit of Orange and Sullivan County residents. According to a press release, “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 ... has awarded more than $25 million in grants and scholarships. CFOS currently administers 400 active charitable funds that represent $50 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health adn human services, recreation, and youth.”

Applications are now open and can be submitted online at cfosny.org until April 14. Upon completion of their application, applicants will receive notifications about which scholarships they qualify for, along with any additional requirements. For more information, scholarship candidates can visit csosny.org or call Lisa Mitchell at 845-769-9393.