Each year the Oneida Scholarship Fund offers grants to adults living in St. Paul’s West Seventh neighborhood who need financial help with a post-secondary education.
About Oneida Scholarship Fund
The Oneida Scholarships, now administered through Keystone Community Services, are a legacy from the Oneida Education Center whose mission was to provide quality adult education classes and to strive to improve individuals’ lives through education. After the Oneida Education Center closed, the scholarship program was established to help make our community stronger by promoting education among West Seventh residents.
Keystone Community Services is pleased to announce the 2017 award recipients:
Teresa Acosta begins her second year at Metropolitan State University, working towards a degree in chemistry degree. Upon completing her degree, she plans to continue at the University of MN to become a pharmacist. She has volunteered for many Keystone events at West 7th Community Center, and as a translator for Spanish-speaking family and friends, particularly around health issues.
Saba Bogale began her training program at Rasmussen College in 2016 and will soon reach her goal to become a certified medical assistant. She came from Ethiopia with her husband and two small children, and began to learn English. Her challenges were many, including the illness and death of her husband, and new responsibilities as the main support for her family. She looks forward to continuing her work with her Amharic-speaking Ethiopian community, and volunteering with Safe Families for Children and Caring Friends that helped with her own journey.
Tigist Fiyisa was asked by her 6 year old son why he had to go to school if she didn’t. This added motivated for her to attend school at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to become a Registered Nurse after having completed training as a nursing assistant and licensed practical nurse. She chose the health field after seeing her friends and family risk their lives and health due to lack of knowledge, and knew she can make a difference. She wants to work overseas on medical missions as well as with single moms in St. Paul. Tigist works part-time while attending school, and raising her children.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2018 Scholarship
Are you an adult living in the West Seventh Community who needs financial help with your post-secondary education? Through the application, recipients demonstrate financial need, contributions to the community, clear educational goals, and capacity to be successful. Applications open January 1, 2018 to be submitted no later than March 2 for awards to be used by December 31, 2018.
Learn more and download the application today.
Applications can also be picked up at the West 7th Community Center (265 Oneida Street, St. Paul). If you have questions, please call 651-298-5493 or email Julie Murphy at jmurphy@keystoneservices.org.