"Roger Williams personified principles that are as current today as they were in the earliest days of our state. Thanks to the vision of the Carter family, a new generation of Rhode Islanders will be exposed to his timeless legacy," said Jessica David, executive vice president of strategy and community investments. Conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter, the program honors the principles of the state's founding father. Rhode Island high school seniors are eligible for up to $80,000 over four years based on financial need and continued academic good standing. Applicants must be residents of Rhode Island, high school seniors and attend a public, parochial or independent high school in Rhode Island. Candidates will be evaluated based on financial need, comprehension and application of Roger Williams' principles and record of academic achievement. More details about the scholarships are posted on findingrogerwilliams.com.

This is the third round of scholarships awarded through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative. Woonsocket's Coura Fall, a first-year student at American University in Washington, D.C., is one of last year's recipients. "This scholarship is the sole reason for my ability to attend American. Being a first-generation college student from a low-income family made the thought of paying for college tuition incredibly daunting," said the 2018 Mt. St. Charles Academy graduate. "However, due the generosity of the Carter family, I didn't have to settle for what was affordable. Instead, I could pursue my academic goals at the institution that I felt was right for me. I am extremely grateful for this scholarship as it opened up doors for me that I otherwise would not have access to," said Fall.