Foundation announces 2017 Scholarships

The Chamber Foundation, Inc.—the nonprofit fundraising arm of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce—is now accepting applications for a broad array of scholarships as part of its ongoing mission to aid local students seeking to further their education. 
 
Since 2002, The Chamber Foundation has awarded nearly half a million dollars in scholarships. To apply for any of the scholarships available this year or for more information, candidates should visit chamberfdn.org/scholarships-1.
 
All applications must be submitted online via the scholarship portal hosted by The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.  Applicants should create a login ID and password and will then be able to access his or her application at any time. Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2017.
 
The ATHENA Adult Scholarship was established to encourage increased leadership roles for women in our community. This scholarship is available to any female who works or volunteers in Dutchess County, has been out of high school for at least five years, and is pursuing education at an accredited New York State college, university or trade school, or through an accredited online educational program while maintaining residency in Dutchess County.
 
Established by the family of Cosimo DiBrizzi and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce to honor his memory, the Cosimo DiBrizzi Culinary Arts Scholarship is available to any resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley (counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam and Ulster) who is pursuing a career at the Culinary Institute of America. Student must be accepted (or currently enrolled) at the CIA and planning to attend within the next six months. If currently enrolled, student must have residency in the Hudson Valley for at least five years.
 
To honor past-President Charlie North and his love of music, and to encourage the pursuit of music and arts in education; the Charles S. North Scholarship for Music & Art is available to any graduating high school senior who is a resident of Dutchess County and is majoring in music performance, music/art education or visual arts (ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, video, filmmaking and architecture) at an accredited college or university in the United States.
 
The family of Eileen Hickey and The Chamber established the Eileen Hickey Nursing Scholarship (Sponsored by The Pines at Poughkeepsie) to honor Hickey’s memory. This scholarship is available to any resident of Dutchess County who is pursuing a career in nursing at a college in New York State.
 
Established by the Lafuente family, The Juan Lafuente Leadership Scholarship memorializes Juan, husband of former-City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Collette, who lost his life during the attacks on September 11, 2001. Candidates for this scholarship must be a resident of Dutchess County. Awards are based on the student’s demonstration of academic achievement – especially in the areas of math and science; leadership contributions to school and community; and character. The student also must plan to attend an accredited New York State college, university, or trade school.
 
The Norman and Rita Nussbickel Memorial Scholarship was established in 1987 by the Nussbickel family and the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Foundation in memory of Norman F. Nussbickel. The scholarship also honors his wife, Rita, who passed in 2006. This scholarship is for graduating seniors from John Jay, Roy C. Ketcham, Beacon, or Arlington high schools who have demonstrated strong academic, athletic, and community service while in high school.
 
Established by the Lant family to support the achievement of a Bachelor’s Degree, The Steven and Linda Lant Family Scholarship for Business and Finance is available to any Dutchess County high school senior or Dutchess Community College student entering an accredited Bachelor’s Degree program pursuing a major in economics, business or finance at a New York State college. The Lant family has established this scholarship to support students with the motivation, work ethic, and academic skills necessary to succeed at college and in the work force. Financial need is considered. Up to four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded.
 
Established by the family of Richard W. Mitchell and The Chamber to honor his memory, the Richard W. Mitchell Memorial Workforce Development Scholarship is available only to family of Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce members and/or Chamber and Foundation programming participants. The student must be a resident of Dutchess County and face significant economic, physical, developmental, or emotional barrier(s) while advancing his or her education. This scholarship is available for any academic major and is supported by the Hudson Valley Young Professionals.