Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship for RI residents with disabilities open

OSCIL Announces Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship 2023 is now accepting applications for RI residents with disabilities 

Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) is accepting applications for the 2023 Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 1995 by Catherine who was a long-time educator and also a board member and valued volunteer at the Ocean State Center for Independent Living. Her wish was to support the philosophy and spirit of OSCIL through a scholarship which would facilitate access to education for persons having disability. 

Selection Criteria: 

Qualified applicants for this $1000+ Scholarship must be Rhode Island residents with significant disability and seeking financial assistance to attend college or technical school. This can include enrollment in an academic, trade, or vocational program. This scholarship can be used toward the attainment of assistive/adaptive equipment or devices to access such educational opportunity as well as for other educational expenses. Preference is based on career goals, merit and economic need. 

Applications are available on our web site at www.oscil.org, or can be requested by sending an email to [email protected]. Completed applications can be faxed to 738-1083, emailed to [email protected]  or mailed to the following address: 

Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship  – c/o OSCIL 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, 02889 – Attn: C. McKenna 

Applications must be postmarked by March 24, 2023. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.  The Scholarship Committee will choose this year’s scholarship recipients in April and applicants will be notified of their decision by email shortly thereafter. Scholarship funds are disbursed in mid-August. 

For any questions concerning the application process, please contact Carol McKenna by email at [email protected].  

Contact: Carol McKenna  – Agency:  Ocean State Center for Independent Living  

Email:  [email protected]  – Website:  oscil.org 

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The Rhode Island Statewide Independent Living Council (RI SILC) is currently looking for new members. The RI SILC is responsible for developing the state independent living plan.

This plan identifies the areas where the federal dollars promoting independent living for people with disabilities are spent and what type of activities and training the State Independent Living Center engages in.  Meetings are typically conducted 4 to 6 times a year and run between 90 minutes to 2 hours. 

Individuals who identify as someone with a disability are strongly encouraged to consider joining the council. It is essential that those with disabilities have a voice in the development of services to increase independent living.

For more information about the Rhode Island Statewide Independent Council please visit risilc.org If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Lynn Powers at [email protected] or 401.738.1013 x10 for an application.