A Coalition of Business, Education, and Government
In 1994, a group of individuals
approached the Governor with a request to establish a coalition committed
to raising scholarship funds to encourage high school seniors with disabilities
to further their academic goals. The Governor wholeheartedly endorsed the
idea and “Governor’s Coalition for Youth with Disabilities” was born. Since
its inception GCYD has given over 200 scholarships totaling more than $600,000.
The GCYD Board has grown from seven to 14 members, all volunteers, with
representatives from business, government, education, the disability community,
and advocates for people with disabilities. Funds for scholarships are raised
from business, government, educational institutions, and private donations.
Scholarships Awarded throughout the State
All scholars receiving a GCYD scholarship attend post-secondary institutions
in Connecticut and throughout the United States. Scholarships are awarded
statewide based on Connecticut’s five congressional districts to ensure
equal distribution. A typical scholarship had been $1,000 per year. However,
over the years GCYD has been fortunate to be able to increase
scholarship awards, which now range from $500 to $5,000. In addition, the
State University System awards an annual scholarship of $500 per semester
renewable for up to eight semesters to an eligible matriculated scholar
attending each of the four State Universities.
May 2003 marked the commencement of the Connecticut Community College Systems'
annual GCYD
scholarship awards. The scholarships have been increased in 2006 to a full
tuition and fee scholarship offered at each of the 12 community colleges,
worth over $2,900 per year for up to three years to eligible matriculated
scholars who will attend one of Connecticut’s community colleges. In 2008,
Goodwin College was the first private institution to award two scholarships.
Dedicated Corporate, Education, and Government Sponsors
The GCYD Bright Lights Scholarship program is made possible by the generous support of many benefactors including The Hartford, Pfizer, Newman’s Own, Northeast Utilities, McDonalds, CIB/Oak Hill, The Board of Education and Services for the Blind, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, The Department of Education, and Goodwin College.
