Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation Awards $201K in Scholarships

Northeast CT Students Shine: Over $201K Awarded by NCEF to Fuel Future Success

Mark your calendars, Connecticut! The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation (NCEF) just pulled off something big, awarding over $201,000 in scholarships to 107 deserving students.

This financial boost landed at the foundation’s second annual Scholarship Night on May 6th, hosted at Killingly High School in Dayville. It’s set to make a real difference for young people all across our region.

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Many of these bright students are heading to—or continuing at—CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley. That says a lot about the foundation’s dedication to keeping higher education within reach, right here at home.

Investing in Our Future: What These Scholarships Mean for Local Students

These scholarships aren’t just for show. NCEF designed them to directly tackle the financial hurdles that come with college.

Whether it’s tuition, textbooks, fees, or even the tech and supplies each program demands, this money helps students from towns like Thompson and Putnam focus on learning instead of worrying about costs.

For families in Northeastern Connecticut—think Plainfield, Sterling, and beyond—this support can mean the difference between putting dreams on hold and actually achieving them. It’s a real investment in the talent and future of our state.

A Personal Touch: From Recipient to Role Model

One of the most moving moments in Dayville came from NCEF Scholarship Chair, Eddie Graff. He’s a former student at CT State Quinebaug Valley and once received an NCEF scholarship himself.

Graff shared his own story with the 2026 awardees, describing how these scholarships changed his life 14 years ago. His pride in serving as a board member—and now as scholarship committee chair—was obvious.

He encouraged the current recipients to think about giving back, asking them to help future students chase their own educational dreams someday. The message really seemed to stick, sparking a sense of responsibility and community among everyone there.

A Collaborative Effort: The Pillars of NCEF’s Success

Events like this don’t happen alone. The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation thanked a dedicated team who made Scholarship Night possible.

The scholarship committee members who sifted through all those applications.
The volunteers who kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
The staff at Killingly High School, who offered up their auditorium and helped with logistics.

This kind of teamwork shows what’s possible when people and institutions in places like Norwich and Willimantic pull together. Honestly, it’s pretty inspiring to see what a community can accomplish.

Continuing the Mission: Supporting Northeast Connecticut’s Brightest

NCEF works hard to provide scholarships and financial support to people in Northeast Connecticut who want to pursue higher education. This commitment reaches across the state and opens doors for students in all kinds of fields.

If you feel inspired by the foundation’s work and want to help students at CT State Quinebaug Valley, there are a few ways to get involved. Monique C.K. Wolanin leads the charge as director of institutional advancement and serves as the main contact for anyone eager to support these educational efforts.

Your support—whether you’re in Danielson or somewhere else—can honestly shape the future for some really talented young people. It’s a chance to make a real, local impact, and who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

Here is the source article for this story: Northeast CT Education Foundation awards $201,000 in scholarships

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