This fall, thousands of East End students will submit college applications. Even if accepted, many may not be able to afford tuition and other college expenses. Road Forward — a volunteer organization that provides multi-year scholarships and mentoring to local high school seniors who lack the financial means to pursue higher education — is turning potential into possibility.
A recent scholarship recipient was a high school senior with top grades and a love of math who had no computer. She applied to a SUNY college on her phone and was accepted. Getting in was only the first step. Without help from The Road Forward Scholarship Fund, college would have been out of reach. Today, she is a freshman studying engineering. She has a Road Forward mentor who helps her with questions about her major and her financial aid statement.
This student is not alone. According to Road Forward, 46 percent of East End high school seniors are economically disadvantaged.
“On the East End of Long Island, economic disparity is impossible to miss,” said Vivian Shapiro, Road Forward chair. “We recognize we can’t level the playing field, but we want to provide opportunity for our deserving students and help them to fulfill their dreams of higher education.”
“One scholarship recipient just received her degree in global health and is returning to serve the community as a healthcare professional,” Shapiro continued. “The work that we are doing doesn’t just elevate one life. It changes the whole community.”
Since 2023, Road Forward has awarded 49 scholarships to students at six East End high schools: Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, Pierson, East Hampton, and Shelter Island.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit roadforward.org or contact vivian@roadforward.org.