Courtesy of CSJ
Provider Scholarship students hold bingo games at the Bardwell House.
RUTLAND—On Feb. 5, the College of St. Joseph announced that its Provider Scholars have contributed more than 10,000 service hours in the community since the program’s inception in the fall of 2013.
A Provider Scholarship is worth $65,000 over four years for full-time residential undergraduates. It incorporates a commitment to academic curiosity, personal and professional growth, personal leadership skills, civic responsibility and community engagement—and it provides generous financial support.
Each of the 142 students in the program must complete 15 service hours; however, many Provider Scholars contribute more than the required service.
“In two and a half years, Provider Program scholars have made a significant, measurable impact upon the Rutland community,” said Meggan Lloyd, community engagement coordinator at CSJ. “10,000 hours is a remarkable achievement for the Provider Program, and our students are to be commended for their dedication to helping transform and better the Rutland community.
“From helping with food distribution efforts at the Vermont Food Bank, cooking monthly meals at Dismas House, hosting bingo games at Bardwell House, undertaking an entire renovation of a transitional apartment at the Rutland Women’s Network and Shelter, creation of a Dream chapter on CSJ’s campus, to our efforts in educating elementary school children about sustainability, the breadth and depth of the service is tremendous,” Lloyd said.
Additionally, students in the Provider Scholarship Program have worked with many area organizations, including Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, Christ the King School, Community Cupboard, Southwestern Council on Aging, Everybody Wins! reading program, Mill River Union High School, and Vermont Marble Museum.
“The Provider Program is indebted to the numerous agencies who allow the students to collectively work to address social and systemic needs. The Provider Program celebrates this accomplishment of 10,000 hours, and looks forward to the continuation of our work in the years to come,” Lloyd said.
