Rhode Island Independent Contractors and Associates Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Rhode Island Independent Contractors and Associates

Description
**Program overview**
The Rhode Island Independent Contractors and Associates (RIICA) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to the families and members of RIICA. The Board of Directors has named one of the program’s scholarships the Neil Sullivan Memorial Scholarship in honor of a longtime member. The program specifies that awards will be issued prior to July 31, 2026.

Key takeaways
- Administered by RIICA to support members, spouses, children, and grandchildren.
- Includes the Neil Sullivan Memorial Scholarship.
- Awards to be distributed by July 31, 2026.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Eligible applicants include children and grandchildren of RIICA members, as well as RIICA members and spouses of members as described by the program. Candidates may be current high school seniors applying to accredited colleges or trade schools, or students already enrolled and pursuing a degree or trade. Applicants must meet any additional criteria listed on the official application.

Key takeaways
- Primary eligibility: RIICA members, spouses of members, and members’ children/grandchildren.
- Open to high school seniors and current postsecondary/trade students.
- Applicants must follow criteria on the official application form.

Award Value
**Scholarship amounts**
The published materials state a one-year scholarship of $1,000.00. The program language also refers to the RIICA Grant being presented to two applicants; consult the official application for the definitive number and distribution of awards. Exact award disbursement is contingent on verification of enrollment or acceptance by the recipient’s educational institution.

Key takeaways
- Stated award amount: $1,000 (one-year scholarship).
- Materials reference multiple award recipients—confirm specifics on the application.
- Payment is conditional on institution verification.

Application Requirements
**Documentation and submissions**
Applicants must submit a completed application form and satisfy supplemental documentation rules. Graduating high school seniors must include two letters of recommendation from teachers, guidance counselors, advisors, or principals. Current students must provide a copy of their most recent full academic report card (copies accepted). A written response is also required—refer to the application for the prompt or topic.

Key takeaways
- Required: completed application form and written response.
- Graduating seniors: two recommendation letters.
- Current students: latest full academic report card (copies acceptable).

Application Timeline
**Deadlines and important dates**
Completed applications must be postmarked by the stated June due date on the official materials; refer to the Scholarship Application document for the exact day. Winners will be notified by mail prior to July 31, 2026. Award letters and payments will follow verification of acceptance or continued enrollment at the recipient’s institution.

Key takeaways
- Applications must be postmarked by the June due date listed on the application.
- Winners notified by mail before July 31, 2026.
- Award disbursement follows institutional verification.

How to Apply and Where to Send
**Submission instructions**
Return completed applications to the RIICA Office; the official application packet provides the mailing address and any additional guidance. Follow the application’s formatting and attachment instructions precisely and include all required documents to be considered. If you need the full submission details, consult the Scholarship Application document referenced in the program materials.

Key takeaways
- Send completed packets to the RIICA Office at the address on the application.
- Include all supporting documents and follow formatting instructions.
- Consult the Scholarship Application document for complete submission details.

Notification and Disbursement Process
**Verification and award delivery**
Award letters are mailed after RIICA verifies acceptance or continued enrollment with the educational institution. Payment is contingent on that verification and will be issued as described in the award correspondence. Winners will receive notification by mail prior to July 31, 2026.

Key takeaways
- RIICA verifies student status with the educational institution before issuing funds.
- Winners receive mailed award letters.
- Notification occurs before July 31, 2026.

Employer Posting and Distribution Guidance
**How employers should share the opportunity**
RIICA asks employers to post or distribute scholarship materials in conspicuous locations where employees will see them. The organization specifically suggests including the notice with employee paychecks in April to reach those on seasonal layoff. Doing so helps ensure eligible family members receive timely information about the program and deadlines.

Key takeaways
- Post scholarship notices in visible workplace locations.
- Consider distributing the notice with April paychecks to reach seasonal workers.
- Timely distribution increases applicant awareness and participation.

History of the Award
**Origins and dedication**
The RIICA Scholarship Program was established to support students pursuing postsecondary education through financial grants. The Board of Directors unanimously approved naming one of the scholarships the Neil Sullivan Memorial Scholarship in honor of a longtime RIICA member. This named award commemorates Sullivan’s service and connection to the association.

Key takeaways
- Scholarship established to recognize and support postsecondary students connected to RIICA.
- One award is named the Neil Sullivan Memorial Scholarship.
- Naming honors a longtime member’s legacy.

Contact and Questions
**Where to get help**
For questions about the application or completion requirements, contact the RIICA Office by email at RIICA1980@aol.com. Refer to the Scholarship Application document for full instructions, prompts, and the mailing address. If any part of the program materials appears unclear or inconsistent, contact the RIICA Office for clarification before submitting.

Key takeaways
- Primary contact email: RIICA1980@aol.com.
- Use the Scholarship Application document for detailed instructions.
- Contact RIICA for clarification on any ambiguous program details.