The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) recently hosted two events celebrating the legacies of the Foundation’s generous donors and the local students who symbolize the community’s future.

The gatherings provided an opportunity for scholarship recipients to meet and connect with the donors who have invested in their educations, fostering relationships that will support them as they embark on their journeys to higher education or careers in the trades.

This year, CFOS awarded $603,575 in new scholarships to deserving students. The most popular fields of study among recipients include nursing, education, and biology, with business administration also seeing significant interest.

Scholarship distribution by county was: Orange County - $296,225, Sullivan County - $285,950, Rockland County - $4000, Ulster County - $9400, Other - $8000. The school districts where students received the highest dollar amount in scholarships were Livingston Manor with $177,000, followed by Port Jervis with $103,000, and Valley Central with $61,400.

“This time of year, we are reminded of the incredible impact individuals can have on their community, even after they have passed,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOS president and CEO. “Building a fund to the point where it can consistently award scholarships to deserving youth and adult learners is a remarkable achievement. With the support of donors and the hard work of recipients, CFOS is helping to shape a brighter future for all.”

This year, scholarships were distributed from over 120 funds. These funds represent the dedication and generosity of thousands of donors who have tirelessly fundraised and contributed their resources to support the aspirations of young people in the region. As CFOS continues to empower students through these scholarships, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the community.