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Testimonials
“I am incredibly grateful for being awarded this scholarship, as it not only supports my educational journey but also acknowledges my ability to overcome adversity. This recognition reinforces my commitment to personal growth, academic achievement, and making a difference in the lives of others. I'm truly making the most of my college experience by actively participating in various clubs on campus, such as the 21st Century Advancement Program, Student Council, and Ballet and Books. Within these organizations, I have had the opportunity to serve as a mentor, fundraising chair, and director, allowing me to contribute to the campus community and make a positive impact. For the upcoming 2022 academic year, I am deeply honored and privileged to have been selected as the Executive Council President of the Howard University School of Business. I am excited about the future and remain committed to making a meaningful impact as a student leader, an intern, and a dedicated member of the Howard University community.”
- Kamryn Monroe
2021 Receipient
Bruce E. Douglas Scholarship for Overcoming Adversity
Congratulations to our 2024 Winners
The Bruce E. Douglas Scholarship for Overcoming Adversity is awarded to a deserving CREC region high school senior who is enrolled in a two or four-year college for the upcoming year. The recipient will be eligible for up to $6,000 to be used for university fees, meal plans, summer housing, books, or supplies. Equal payments will be made directly to the attending college for up to four years of active enrollment.
Timeline
Below is the timeline for interested applicants to plan the submission of their application to the Bruce E. Douglas Scholarship for Overcoming Adversity as well as key dates when eligible applicants will be notified:
| March 17, 2025 | Applications must be completed and received by this date to be considered for the scholarship. |
| Early April | Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. |
| Early May | Email notification is sent to scholarship recipients' email addresses |
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Graduating high school senior at a public or alternative high school located in a CREC Member District (towns listed below).
- Enrolled in a two or four year college in the fall.
- Submit application form and 500 word essay.
CREC Member Districts and Eligible Towns
| · Avon* · Berlin* · Bloomfield · Bolton* · Bristol · Burlington · Canton* · Cromwell* · East Granby* · East Hartford · East Windsor* · Ellington* | · Enfield* · Farmington* · Glastonbury* · Granby* · Hartford* · Harwinton · Manchester · New Britain · Newington* · Plainville* · Portland* | · Rocky Hill* · Simsbury* · Somers* · Southington* · South Windsor* · Suffield* · Vernon* · West Hartford* · Wethersfield* · Windsor · Windsor Locks* |
* Hartford Region Open Choice Program Partnering Districts
Essay requirements
In no more than 500 words please describe a difficult situation that you overcame to accomplish a life goal. Please demonstrate to the reader how your struggle to overcome adversity has defined your personal growth. Then, describe how you will use your higher education to help transform your community.
Awards
A scholarship committee will review the essays in April and grant awards to recipients in May. Awards are renewed annually up to four years provided student maintains enrollment status.
The 2024 Recipients
Jolver Alarcon Ortiz
Bristol Central High School
Attending Connecticut State Community College-Tunxis
Jose Ruiz
CREC Academy of Science and Innovation
Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in Civil Engineering
Makayla Minor
CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day
Attending University of Hartford, majoring in Ballet
Uttej Kollu
Avon High School
Attending University of Southern California, majoring in Biochemistry
Yomar Guido
Hall High School
Attending Central Connecticut State University, majoring in Nursing
About Bruce
Bruce E. Douglas, Ph.D., has dedicated nearly 50 years to educating Connecticut’s children and families, and served as CREC’s executive director from 2001 to 2015.
Bruce began his career as a social sciences and history teacher, coach, and school administrator for Bloomfield Public Schools. He later served as superintendent of Suffield Public Schools before arriving at CREC in 1998 as the agency’s assistant executive director.
Bruce’s transformative leadership, divergent thinking, and inspirational mentorship have shaped the educational and social landscape of Connecticut and improved the future for Connecticut’s children.
Bruce is a relentless social justice advocate for the disadvantaged and disenfranchised. He led CREC to adopt a culture of serving the best interests of children and families in Connecticut’s capitol region, and developed policy and legislation that drove public education to the forefront of the Connecticut General Assembly’s agenda each year. Bruce works tirelessly to eliminate the local, national, and global achievement gaps and to ensure that every child receives a world-class public education.
