Last year, WEDF started Connected Scholars, a scholarship program that provides college-bound seniors with brand new laptops for graduation. In 2021, WEDF presented 31 seniors with computers; this year 50 seniors received them.
A recent grant for the class of 2023 has been received and WEDF will continue soliciting donations for this program. We extend our sincere gratitude to the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, the Hoche-Scofield Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, and Berkshire Bank for supporting the Connected Scholars.
About the Program
WEDF wanted to make a larger impact so Worcester students would be able to transition into the next stage of their education prepared for everything that lies ahead of them. Part of this is outfitting students with the tools they need to get the most out of their collegiate studies.
Seniors who wished to apply for the program were required to meet the following qualifications:
• Acceptance at a two- or four-year college or university
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
WEDF was fortunate to have plenty of support from guidance departments within the district, and especially that of Whitney Goodwin, the College and Career Readiness Liaison. As a result, the foundation was able to provide computers to 50 WPS graduates from eight high schools.
We are so pleased with the success of this program and look forward to continuing to build it in the future!
If you would like to help provide computers to graduating seniors in 2023, click below to donate.
2022 Connected Scholars
Hannah Afriyie • Worcester Technical High School • University of Massachusetts Amherst
Lloydia Agyemang • South High School • Northeastern University
Lizmarie Alicia Pena • Worcester Technical High School • Worcester State University
Xio Alvarado • South High School • Clark University
Rosan Alzuhairi • Worcester Technical High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Danice Andre Diaz • Doherty Memorial High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Afua Asare • South High School • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Maureen Bittner • South High School • Bay Path University
Rhylie Bray • Gerald Creamer Center • Worcester State University
Nathan Bui • South High School • Worcester State University
Tyler Burns • North High School • Assumption University
Mah Oumou Camara • North High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Hailey Choruzek • Doherty Memorial High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Jonathan Cruz • South High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Hayder Daffie • North High School • Worcester State University
Janes Delice • Claremont Academy • Worcester State University
Maryanna Dornelas • Worcester Technical High School • Bunker Hill Community College
Beninskee Dorvilien • North High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Favour Enwereuzor • Worcester Technical High School • Assumption University
Adonay Estrada • North High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Antoinette Gruanue • University Park Campus School • University of Bridgeport
Chyanne Guzman-Rios • Doherty Memorial High School • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Janyia Hampton Hutchins • South High School • Nichols College
Yeiliani Hernandez Colon • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Virginia Hilli • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Aya Ishwa Murad • Worcester Technical High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Musa Kabundi • University Park Campus School • Worcester State University
Tiffany Kago • Doherty Memorial High School • Navy / St. John’s University
Mackayla Kent • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College or Mass Art
Jasmine Kibunja • Doherty Memorial High School • TBD
Isaiah Kparyea • Doherty Memorial High School • Endicott College
Sieda Mohamud • Worcester Technical High School • Worcester State University
Uendi Mullaj • Doherty Memorial High School • Assumption University
Cherise Namaganda • North High School • Worcester State University
Desire Ndihokubwayo • North High School • Bridgewater State University
Diana Nguyen • Worcester Technical High School • Tufts University
Lionel Nieves • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Rena Nurhussien • Worcester Technical High School • Boston University
Chase Owen • South High School • Clark University
Kayden Pham • Doherty Memorial High School • Clark University
Derek Quinones • North High School • Worcester State University
Isaiah Reyes • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Isa Reyes • Worcester Technical High School • Anna Maria College
Billie Jo Servie • North High School • Worcester State University
Randy Torres • Doherty Memorial High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Harry Valle • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Michael Vazquez • Doherty Memorial High School • Assumption University
Jaden Vega • Burncoat High School • Quinsigamond Community College
Evelin Zacarias Cruz • Claremont Academy • Worcester State University
Jenkins Zziwa • North High School • Worcester Polytechnic Institute