Feinstein Foundation provides URI scholarships for future educators

KINGSTON, R.I., April 9, 2018—Alan Shawn Feinstein, through the Feinstein Foundation, has made a significant contribution to the University of Rhode Island to boost scholarships for state residents.

The Feinstein Leadership Scholarship Endowment will assist with tuition and related costs for students enrolled at URI’s Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies. The college’s dedication to the University’s land-grant mission of educating residents and contributing to the public good aligns with Feinstein’s decades-long commitment to improving lives through learning and community service.

“It is my hope,” said Feinstein, “to be able with URI, to provide scholarships for every former Feinstein Junior Scholar coming to this college who wants to become a teacher and pass on our values of caring and compassion for others and helping to better the lives of others.”

The scholarships will be awarded to those who demonstrate financial need and were Feinstein Junior Scholars during their kindergarten through grade 12 years. To help nontraditional students and working adults, part of the fund will cover childcare expenses along with other indirect costs of advanced education, including books and transportation.

Building on Feinstein’s generosity, the University will provide a four-to-one match to the proceeds of the fund. Students will benefit beginning in fall 2018.

“These scholarships will open new opportunities for deserving students, while furthering the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies commitment to preparing individuals to advance in the workforce,” said Provost Donald H. DeHayes. “I look forward to seeing the contributions that the Feinstein Scholars will make, here at URI and in their communities.”

A celebrated Rhode Island humanitarian, Feinstein launched the Junior Scholars Program in 1992 to encourage children to participate in community service, particularly in campaigns to fight hunger. The program is currently active in more than 150 schools statewide.

“Since my arrival in July 2017, I have been consistently impressed with the generosity of the Feinstein Foundation,” said Dean R. Anthony Rolle. “There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Feinstein supports the college’s mission to value the multiple dimensions of diversity, equity, and inclusion while providing rigorous academic and professional development learning opportunities for all students.”

Throughout his career as a philanthropist, Feinstein has been a steadfast supporter to URI, from the Feinstein Civic Engagement Program, launched in 1995, and the Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America, established in 1999. His most recent gift is meant to inspire the next generation of teachers and community leaders.

With his most recent gift, Feinstein continues to be a living embodiment of his personal motto: “Helping to better the lives of others is the greatest of all achievements.”