Two East Hartford Public Schools seniors have received full merit scholarships to the University of Connecticut. East Hartford High School Senior Joy Frimpong received UConn’s Day of Pride Scholarship and Connecticut IB Academy Senior Brooke Lincoln received UConn’s Nutmeg Scholarship. Each scholarship is only awarded to 20 recipients statewide. The scholarships cover both direct and indirect costs of attendance for four years, including tuition, fees, housing, meals and textbooks.
To be considered for these competitive scholarships, the students had to submit supplemental application components in addition to their application for admission. They learned of their scholarship award alongside their acceptance to the university.
“I was definitely in a state of shock and had to refresh the page a few times to make sure it was real, but once the shock wore off, I felt extremely grateful. I rushed to tell my family and immediately started making a list of everyone I needed to thank for their support,” said Joy Frimpong.
According to UConn, the Day of Pride Scholarship is awarded to outstanding Connecticut secondary school seniors from underserved backgrounds who have proven academic ability as demonstrated through high school grades, test scores, class rank, and letters of recommendation. To be eligible, students must show a documented financial need and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives through leadership, special talents, and achievement in school and/or community.
Joy said, “Pursuing higher education has always been my family's dream for me, as well as my own. Now, without the financial burden, I can fully commit to this dream.”
While she is still considering her college options, Joy says she’s passionate about math and plans to major in it.
Brooke Lincoln earned the Nutmeg Scholarship, which honors the exceptional accomplishments of Connecticut secondary school seniors, according to UConn. Eligibility criteria for this award includes academic ability, citizenship, leadership, and service to one’s school and community.
“College is so expensive, so a full ride felt really, really great,” said Brooke, who is interested in molecular biology and a future career in medical research.
“Right now, UConn is one of my top choices,” she said. “It’s an honor to be one of the ones selected and to be recognized for the work I’ve put in throughout high school. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, teachers, and peers; I am very grateful for how they helped me reach this point. This scholarship has eased the monetary burden of college for me and my family, and gives me the chance to attend an excellent university without the financial pressure we faced before.”