Cape Cod Foundation Awards Five Adults Scholarships to Pursue Educational Opportunities

Five students recently received scholarships from The Cape Cod Foundation.  They’re not graduating high school seniors heading off to college.  They’re adults, currently in the work force, pursuing a new educational goal on their own.

Chanda Uy, Pocassett, and Kelly Medeiros, Wellfleet, both received the Cape Cod Women’s Association Scholarship, established earlier this year at The Cape Cod Foundation. Medeiros also received the Foundation’s Cape Cod Young Professionals Career Connect Scholarship. Both scholarships were established to help adults return to school, train in a new profession or take courses to develop their professional life on Cape Cod.

While working full-time in a family-owned restaurant, Uy has taken university-level classes at Cape Cod Community College and completed her 40-hour practicum experience in a kindergarten classroom.  She plans to transfer to Mary Baldwin University in Virginia this fall.

Since 2004, Medeiros has been the Hydrologic Technician at the Cape Cod National Seashore. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island. The advanced degree is required to become a professional scientist within the National Park Service.

Three other students received the Scarbrough Adult Learner Scholarship of The Cape Cod Foundation which supports adults returning to school to pursue an undergraduate education.

Caitlyn Coughlin of South Dennis received her bachelor’s degree in English from Bridgewater State University in 2015.  Currently, she is the Academic Center Coordinator and Peer Leadership Teacher at Monomoy Regional High School. She will pursue her master’s degree, required for her profession, at Bridgewater State University.

Sarah Tanner, Wellfleet, a Special Needs Educational Assistant at Wellfleet Elementary School, is also planning a career in education and will begin classes at Cape Cod Community College this fall.  Her goal is to become a full-time teacher.

Rodney Vaughan, a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Provincetown, is planning a career change. After receiving the certification required, he plans to open a full-service, year-round barbershop in Provincetown, featuring his own line of hair, beard, skin, and nail care products for men, currently in development.

“It’s nice to be reminded that you can follow a new dream at any time in your life,” said Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation.  “This year, the Foundation distributed more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students.  It’s inspiring to have adult learners among them.  The people behind these scholarships are equally inspiring. They are giving others incredible opportunities to achieve.”