The Access Rehabilitation Center scholarship was established in 2020 to support current NVCC students enrolled in the NVCC PTA program or aspiring to enroll in the NVCC PTA program.

Scholarship Criteria

• A current NVCC student who is enrolled in the NVCC PTA program or currently enrolled in prerequisites at NVCC for admission into the NVCC PTA program.
• Residents of Greater Waterbury, first generation students, minority students, and Access Rehab Centers employees are encouraged to apply.

Award Range:
 up to $500.00

Starting in 1998, this award was established by David Fontaine to honor the memory of his parents, Edith and Roland Fontaine. His mother Edith taught at the college for many years. This scholarship is awarded to a beginning second-year nursing student selected by the Nursing Faculty.  

Scholarship Criteria

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to:

• A beginning second year NVCC nursing student.
• Student must demonstrate excellence and compassion in clinical practice.
• Student must maintain above average performance in nursing theory and commitment to the nursing profession.
• Student will be selected by the Nursing Faculty.

Award Range

up to $500

The Marilyn Meltzer Eslami Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund has been designated to provide financial support to high performing female students, preferably single mothers, who are enrolled at NVCC and are pursuing a career in allied health.

The fund was established with a generous donation from the trustees of the Marilyn Eslami Trust. The donation reflects Marilyn Eslami’s lifelong example of community service in the care of others. Ms. Eslami’s many accomplishments include her tenure as the first woman to hold the seat as City of Waterbury Planning Commissioner, a founder of Crime Stoppers of Waterbury, past president of the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s Hospital since 1976. 

In addition to many other board appointments and fundraising efforts, her role as President of the Auxiliary to the Connecticut State Medical Society helped get a mandatory seat belt law passed for drivers in the State of Connecticut.   

Scholarship Criteria

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to:

• Female students enrolled in the college pursuing a career in Allied Heath.
• Preference being given to those who are single mothers.

Award Range

up to $500

Established in January 2018, this endowed scholarship was created through a generous donation from Mari-jean Morelli, a graduate of the NVCC Nursing program and a former nurse at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.

Scholarship Criteria

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to:

• An NVCC student enrolled in the Nursing Program.
• The student must be a single mother.
• The student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Award Range

up to $500

Established in 2019, this scholarship was created through a generous donation from Mari-jean Morelli, a graduate of the NVCC Nursing program and a former nurse at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.  

Scholarship Criteria 

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to: 

• An NVCC student enrolled in the Nursing Program.
• The student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Award Range

Up to $500

Through a fund established in 2005, the family of Dr. Neil Lindenman will award two scholarships to students pursuing a career in the nursing/ allied health caring professions. Dr. Lindenman was a prominent ENT physician and surgeon who established his practice in the Waterbury area to meet the needs of the community. He was an attending physician at St. Mary’s Hospital and Waterbury Hospital Health Center for 23 years. He was an accomplished lifelong athlete and had a bold adventurous spirit. He lived his life with the joyful determination and dedication to both medicine and the strong friendships he made in the community.

Awarded to two nursing or allied health students who have shown a strong academic standing, outstanding personal traits, demonstrates compassion in clinical practice and a dedication to a career of caring for others.

Scholarship Criteria

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to:

• An NVCC student enrolled and continuing in a Fall 2023 Nursing or an Allied Health Program. 
• A student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 
• A student who can demonstrate financial need and a demeanor as a kind citizen in this community. 

Submit a personal statement/essay.  Please make sure to answer the following questions in your personal statement/essay:

• What are your personal and/or professional goals?  
• What do you plan on doing with your Nursing or Allied Health degree? 
• Discuss ways in which you have demonstrated kindness and/or compassion in your clinical practice.
• Discuss your financial need. 

Award Range
Up to $1200

National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Scholarship

Established in 2022, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) scholarship will be awarded to a student(s) currently enrolled in NVCC's Respiratory Care Program.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Student must currently have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
• Enrolled at NVCC as a full or part time student.
• Currently Registered or accepted for the Fall start in the NVCC Respiratory Care Program.

Sandra Lee Sharron was a mother of two and a nursing student in 1993, when at age 27 she suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage, a condition from which her older sister had previously suffered. Sandra’s desire to help others and provide for her family is the basis for the memorial scholarship. Established in 1999, this endowed scholarship is awarded to a student preparing for career in nursing or allied health who has demonstrated overall excellence in his/her field of study.

Scholarship Criteria

Recipient is to be a nursing student OR in any related medical/healthcare program at NVCC. Applicants must have:

• Completed a minimum of three (3) applicable courses in nursing, medical/health care or related area to be considered. (Please list courses in application)
• One or more letters of recommendation from instructors or professionals in a field related to your field of study.
• Transcripts of all applicable grades.
• State as to whether you are a PTK member on the Application.
• Weights for the components of each application:
  • Personal Statement                            40%
  • Letters of Recommendation               25%
  • Grade Points                                         30%
  • PTK Membership*                                  5%
    *not needed – selection is slightly weighted in favor of PTK Membership

Award Range

up to $500

The Sandi M. Stephens Memorial Scholarship was established by the NVCC Nursing Faculty, the Class of 2012 and the Class of 2013 in honor of Sandi Stephens, a 2002 graduate of the NVCC Nursing Program. Sandi continued her education and achieved magna cum laude as a 2008 graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a BS in Nursing. As Sandi was pursuing her Master’s Degree in nursing she was diagnosed with cancer. As a new graduate, she worked on the oncology unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury and continued her career as a supervisor for a group home agency. Sandi was recognized by coworkers, family and friends as a high achiever and top-flight nurse. Sandi quietly passed away in 2011 surrounded by family. She was 44 years old.
 

Scholarship Criteria

• Awarded to a graduating nursing student who has applied and been accepted to a BSN program.
• Student must demonstrate high academic achievement in nursing theory and practice coupled with a commitment to the nursing profession and pursuing a BSN degree.
• Student will be chosen by a review committee from the Nursing Division and will be awarded to the student who best exemplifies Sandi M. Stephens high standards of achievement.

Award Range
up to $250

The Waterbury Medical Association Scholarship was established in 2020 to provide scholarships for second-year nursing students at Naugatuck Valley Community College with no regard to race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.

Scholarship Criteria:

The student must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the scholarship award:

• A current NVCC student who has completed their first year in the NVCC Nursing program.
• A student who can demonstrate significant financial need.
• A student who exhibits high motivation.
• A resident of the Greater Waterbury area.
• High scholastic performance, while desirable, is not essential.

Award Range:

up to $2,000

This endowed award, was established in 2001 to honor Carolyn P. Zaza, an honors graduate of Mattatuck Community College. Ms. Zaza served as the President of the College Alumni Association for a number of years and was a productive, vibrant leader in the college’s alumni affairs. In addition to serving on the Alumni Association, Ms. Zaza was the President of the Nutmeg Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association and was named Women of the Year for the chapter. She was active in numerous community, education and civic organizations, generously offering her leadership throughout the community.

Friends of Ms. Zaza, shocked by her sudden death, believed a scholarship in her memory would serve as a fitting tribute and would contribute to the education of future deserving students of business.

Scholarship Criteria

• This is a merit-based scholarship to recognize:
• Academic achievement in an NVCC Business Program.
• Involvement in Campus Activities and/or Community Service.
• Two awards are given annually: one to a female student and one to a male student.

Award Range for each scholarship

up to $500

This scholarship, endowed in 1993 is awarded for academic achievement in accounting.

Scholarship Criteria

This is a merit-based scholarship awarded on the following:

• The student recipient must be an Accounting student in good academic standing, specifically having a 3.5 or higher overall GPA.
• Student must be a graduating senior and hold the highest Accounting curriculum GPA.
• Student must prove intent to transfer to a four-year institution continuing to major in Accounting.

Award Range

up tp $250 

Established in 2019, this scholarship was created through a generous donation from Mari-jean Morelli, a graduate of the NVCC Nursing program and a former nurse at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. This scholarship is to support students interested in a career in public safety and currently studying Criminal Justice, Cyber Security or Fire Safety.

Scholarship Criteria

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to:

• An NVCC student enrolled in a Criminal Justice, Cyber Security or Fire Safety Program.
• The student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Award Range

Up to $500

The Behavioral and Social Science Division Scholarship is awarded to a continuing student who has demonstrated excellence in a behavioral or social science program.

Scholarship Criteria

• The Candidate must be a full or part time student enrolled at NVCC and must have completed at least 12 (twelve) credits with a B or better in Criminal Justice/Public Safety, Drug and Alcohol Recovery, Early Childhood Education, or Human Services Social Work.
• Must be continuing at NVCC in the Fall and in good academic standing.
• Include a personal 150-250 word essay on “The importance of one of the Behavioral and Social Sciences – Criminal Justice/Public Safety, Drug and Alcohol Recovery, Early Childhood Education, or Human Services Social Work.

Award Range

up to $500

The scholarship was created to honor the memory of Rachel D’Avino and her dream of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Rachel was one of the young, gifted, beautiful women killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She began her Human Service studies at NVCC. Her family is committed to keeping her dream alive and helping others who are pursuing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis. 

Scholarship Criteria

• Award will go to a current NVCC student.
• The student should have completed Psy258.
• Preference is given to a student pursuing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis who is in good academic standing, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and has completed nine (9) or more credits.
• A graduating student must be planning on attending a 4-year program where the award will be transferred for the following semester.
• The award for a returning student will be directed to the student account.

Award Range

up to $500

The Early Childhood Education Scholarship is funded by the Kids on Campus Endowment. These scholarships are awarded to NVCC students studying Early Childhood Education with the purpose of providing financial support.

Scholarship Criteria

• An NVCC student studying Early Childhood Education.
• Applicant must be in good academic standing.

Award Range

up to $500

This award was established in 1997 and endowed in 2011 to honor Gerard Melito, Professor of French and Spanish who had a love for languages and theater. During his tenure he founded the International Society and took NVCC students and faculty to New York City for many theater experiences.  This scholarship established in Professor Melito’s memory is awarded to a graduating student who has excelled in modern language, drama and/or literature and is transferring to a four-year college.

Scholarship Criteria

• The candidate must submit an essay of 250 word maximum on the following topic: “How has NVCC prepared me for a lifetime of learning?”                                          
• The candidate must be a full-time or part-time graduating student at NVCC with a minimum of 3.0 overall GPA.
• The candidate must intend to transfer to a four-year college.
• The candidate must have successfully completed the following with 3.0 GPA or above:
  • Two modern language courses or
  • Two Theater Arts/Film courses or
  • Combination of the two
  • Plus one literature course.
• A review committee made up of Arts and Humanities Faculty shall be appointed by the Arts and Humanities Division Director.

Award Range

up to $500

The Melanie Ilene Rieger Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established by her family in 1995 in memory of Melanie, a human service student murdered in 1994. The award is given to a student with the highest academic achievement in the concentration of social work with plans to transfer to a four year institution.

Scholarship Criteria

The student considered most deserving of the scholarship: 

• Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in the field of Human Services.
• Must be graduating from NVCC.
• Must demonstrate a special aptitude, sensitivity and leadership in the helping profession.
• Must have been accepted for admission to a program in the Human Services area in a four-year college.
• Award will be transferred to the four-year college

Award Range

up to $250

In 2019 Charles E. Pagano, Jr. established a scholarship to support students who are continuing their studies at NVCC and majoring in one of the STEM disciplines. Mr. Pagano, an alumni of NVCC and former executive of ESPN, is committed to creating opportunities for NVCC students to achieve their Higher Education goals.

Scholarship Criteria

Student(s) must be: 

• Continuing at NVCC in the Fall semester
• Majoring in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
• In good academic standing
• Able to demonstrate examples of their practice of leadership

Award Range:

Up to $500

Started in 2011, the CT Horticulture Society (CHS) Scholarship is awarded in recognition of outstanding student achievement in the field of horticulture.  Student must showcase a pattern of academic excellence and outreach with the practice.

Scholarship Criteria

• Award is given to a returning or entering student majoring in Horticulture.
• Applications will be reviewed and selected by the chair of the Horticulture Department and others as determined by the chair.

Started in 2011, the CT Horticulture Society (CHS) Scholarship is awarded in recognition of outstanding student achievement in the field of horticulture.  Student must showcase a pattern of academic excellence and outreach with the practice. The CT Horticulture Society awards two scholarships. This scholarship is in honor of Richard Jaynes, the owner of Broken Arrow Nursery in Hamden, CT.   

Scholarship Criteria

• Award is given to a returning or entering student majoring in Horticulture.
• Applications will be reviewed and selected by the chair of the Horticulture Department and others as determined by the chair.

Award Range:

Up to $1000

Emerson has made it their mission to support and inspire the next generation of innovators. In 2019 Emerson established the Emerson Scholarship to support students, especially women and minorities, majoring in Engineering.

Scholarship Criteria

• A returning NVCC student majoring in Engineering.
• Student with a 3.0 GPA or above. 
• Donor strongly encourages minority and/or female students to apply for this scholarship.

Award Range

Up to $1500

The Scott Lawrence Pond Memorial Scholarship was established on September 22, 1995 by his parents, Professors Emeriti Gloria Dibble Pond and J. Lawrence Pond, Woodbury, CT and was first awarded at Honors Night, 1995. Scott Pond was an enthusiastic high school science teacher, academic achiever, geothermal researcher in Sweden, athlete, husband and father.  Scott’s parents named the scholarship in memory of their son Scott who died in a 1993 skydiving accident while performing charity work.

Recipients for this scholarship are selected each spring based on academic promise in science and a demonstration of the “spirit of adventure” that led Scott Pond to embrace his love of skydiving as well as other exciting outdoor activities.

Defining a “spirit of adventure” will be different for everyone and should be viewed in the context of your personal circumstances. It means a willingness to try new things, take risks and breaking away from the routine. Stepping into an unknown, breaking away from tradition, and pushing yourself to do things outside your comfort zone and to see things from a different vantage point all contribute to a life of adventure.

The award was endowed on October 18, 1999.

Scholarship Criteria

To be eligible for the Scott Lawrence Pond Memorial Scholarship the candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Student recipient must be a Liberal Arts and Science student in good academic standing who intends to transfer to a four-year institution and who exhibits a spirit of adventure.
• A student must have either completed or be enrolled in two courses in the physical sciences.
• Preference is given to those students with a demonstrated financial need.

Award Range

up to $1000

The John Brazee Endowed Scholarship, established by Siemon Manufacturing and first awarded in 2001 is given to a student pursuing a degree or certificate in the Manufacturing Technologies areas of study within the Engineering/Manufacturing Department.

Scholarship Criteria

• Student currently enrolled full or part time at NVCC
• Students enrolled in an Engineering or Manufacturing degree or certificate program at NVCC
• Students demonstrating academic excellence and proficiency in Engineering or Manufacturing
• Consideration is given for extracurricular activities and demonstrated need including family circumstances.
• Second year scholarship consideration would be based on student’s first year performance and continued enrollment at NVCC.

Award Range

Up to three scholarships and $3000 per scholarship.

The Robert Knickerbocker Scholarship, established by Siemon Manufacturing and first awarded in 2001, is given to a student pursuing a degree or certificate in the Engineering areas of study focused on engineering disciplines including product design and technician positions related to testing, quality and technical support.

Scholarship Criteria

• Student currently enrolled full or part time at NVCC.
• Students enrolled in an Engineering degree or certificate program at NVCC.
• Students demonstrating academic excellence and proficiency in Engineering.
• Consideration is given for extracurricular activities and demonstrated need including family circumstances.
• Second year scholarship consideration would be based on student’s first year performance and continued enrollment at NVCC.

Award Range

Up to three scholarships and $3000 per scholarship.

Established in 2011, the Westport Garden Club Scholarship is awarded to a student with a passion for horticulture or landscape design, who demonstrates a determination to graduate and pursue a career in horticulture. The student must have a deep knowledge of and keen interest in promotion of native plants and sustainable landscaping practices.

Scholarship Criteria

• Award is given to a returning or entering student majoring in Horticulture.
• Applications will be reviewed and selected by the chair of the Horticulture Department and others as determined by the chair.

Award Range:

Up to $400

In 2021 Charles E. Pagano, Jr. established a scholarship to support students who are continuing their studies at NVCC. Mr. Pagano, an alumni of NVCC and former executive of ESPN, is committed to creating opportunities for NVCC students to achieve their Higher Education goals. 

Scholarship Criteria 

• Student must meet a minimum 3.00 GPA. 
• Residents of Greater Waterbury, first-generation and minority students are encouraged to apply 
• Student must submit a one-page typed statement sharing why you believe you are deserving of this scholarship. 

Award amount 
Up to $500

This Scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Christopher Love, a native of Waterbury and a Naugatuck Valley Community College graduate and Minority Fellow. He was both a social worker and a community activist and was killed tragically while attempting to prevent violence at a Halloween party for children that he was attending. The Scholarship is given to an outstanding continuing African-American NVCC student who and is funded through contributions from community members and NVCC employees.

Scholarship Criteria

• This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding African-American student continuing his/her education.

Award Range

up to $500

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., NVCC President Emerita, established an endowment in 2020 to support students who are enrolled in the college, regardless of financial aid and immigration status.

Scholarship Criteria

• Student must meet a minimum 3.00 GPA.
• Student must demonstrate significant community or college service.
• Student must submit a one-page typed statement sharing why you believe you are deserving of this scholarship.

Award Range

 up to $500

Bill Carew established the William and Mary Carew Scholarship endowment fund in 2021 in memory of his parents William and Mary Carew, alumni of NVCC.  This scholarship will support students who are enrolled in the college.

Scholarship Criteria

• Student must be a working parent.
• Student must demonstrate financial need.
• Student must be from a group underrepresented in college completion.

Award Range

up to $500

In 1995 this scholarship was established in memory of Dorothy Witmer Kinney, wife of Charles B. Kinney, Jr. The fund was started by their children in memory of their parents who were committed to creating opportunities for all students to pursue higher education.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is to be awarded to a NVCC degree-seeking student who:

• is a new or continuing student in good academic standing.
• can demonstrate financial need.
• and is a:
  • Foreign national
  • Refugee
  • Asylum-seeker
  • First generation immigrant (a foreign-born student who has gained U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency)
  • Or is a child of a refugee, asylum-seeker, or a first-generation immigrant.

Award Range

up to $1000

The Charles B. Kinney Endowed Memorial Scholarship

In 1995 this scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Charles B. Kinney, Jr., the first President of Mattatuck Community College. The fund was started by his wife and their children in memory of Dr. Kinney.

Scholarship Criteria
This scholarship is to be awarded to a NVCC degree-seeking student who:

• is a new or continuing student in good academic standing.
• can demonstrate financial need
• is pursuing a career in public service.
• has served the College or the community.

Award Range

up to $1000