CHESLA Awards $543,000 to Connecticut Students Through Annual Scholarship Program

Hartford, CT, August 13, 2021- The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) announced that its annual scholarship program will distribute $543,000 in financial assistance among 188 Connecticut students for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Maximum awards are $3,000 for a full-time student and $1,500 for a part-time student enrolled at a degree granting institution. The awardees represent 80 Connecticut towns and cities and 20 Connecticut colleges and universities.

Jeanette W. Weldon, Executive Director for CHESLA stated, “We take pride in providing financial assistance for higher education, especially as Connecticut families seek to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.”

Josh Hurlock, CHESLA’s Assistant Director, added “Many of the scholarship recipients have incredible stories of perseverance and strength in the face of the challenges presented by COVID 19. We hope these awards will keep these students on the path toward a successful career.”

Scholarship recipient, Michele Meoli, thanked CHESLA. “I am overwhelmed with emotion. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this will help my family and me on my journey towards becoming a registered nurse. I am forever grateful.”

CHESLA’s scholarship application for students pursuing a healthcare or manufacturing certificate, rather than a degree, opened on July 1st. Funds are still available.

The certificate program scholarship awards are $1,250. Applications are considered and awarded on a first come, first serve basis until funds run out. Non-credit certificate programs offered by state or non-profit higher education institutions qualify for this scholarship.

CHESLA serves as a leading resource for Connecticut students as they plan their college education by providing financing and tools to help students and families make informed decisions. CHESLA works to enhance the competitiveness of Connecticut institutions of higher education and helps the State meet its workforce needs by providing grants and additional financing options to Connecticut students. CHESLA’s scholarship program has disbursed $9.85 million, impacting 5,322 students since its inception in 2015.