Nurses on Long Island and nationwide have been widely heralded as heroic frontline workers, providing crucial care and saving lives. Now deserving Suffolk County Community College nursing students are getting a helping hand themselves through United Way of Long Island’s DREAMS for Youth Scholarship Program; dedicated to providing financial help for higher education.
Recognizing the pivotal role and demand for nurses, United Way provided ten ($1,000) scholarships to nursing students in Suffolk County Community College’s nursing program. Pre-pandemic, more than 25,000 students enrolled, including nearly 400 in nursing, serving as an important source of nurses in and beyond the region. Scholarship recipients were selected based on academic performance and community service, as well as financial need.
The DREAMS (Determination. Realization. Enrichment. Academics. Mission. Service.) for Youth Scholarship seeks to help students pursue higher education. It benefits individuals and the region, by helping pave the way forward for each recipient.
“The DREAMS for Youth Scholarships are an integral part of our mission”, said United Way of Long Island President and CEO Theresa A. Regnante. “Nurses play such an important role in the quality of healthcare and we are happy to help advance their education as they embark on this essential profession.”
“We are grateful for United Way of Long Island’s leadership and partnership in providing access to nursing education,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue. “We are proud of the students who were selected and look forward to following their journey leading to successful careers.”
The recipients represent Suffolk County Community College, which has a diverse student body reflecting Long Island’s population. All ten students are excelling in their studies, which includes hands-on work as well as laboratory and classroom experience.
“These students are among the shining stars to serve on the front lines during this pandemic, with many of them working at area hospitals, as well as assisting with COVID-19 testing here at Suffolk,” said Sylvia Diaz, Executive Director of the Suffolk County Community College Foundation.
For the 2021/2022 academic year, United Way of Long Island awarded 59 Scholarships to students from Nassau and Suffolk Counties. For more information about the United Way’s Scholarship programs, visit www.unitedwayli.org/scholarships.
Photo Caption:
United Way of Long Island’s DREAMS for Youth Scholarship recipients are joined by executives from Suffolk County Community College and United Way. (left to right) Dr. Sylvia Diaz, Executive Director, Suffolk County Community College Foundation; Georgina Gonzales, Scholarship recipient; Dr. Cheryl Shaffer, Dean of the School of Nursing; Sarah Klecher, Scholarship recipient; Dr. Ed Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College; Taisha Thomas, Scholarship recipient; Theresa Regnante, President and CEO, United Way of Long Island; Emily Olsen, Scholarship recipient; Mary Lou Araneo, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Suffolk County Community College; and Patricia Rivers, Community Impact Program Director, United Way of Long Island.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.