Manchester Scholarship Foundation

Manchester Scholarship Foundation gives the gift of education in Manchester, Connecticut through a long-running community scholarship effort rooted in local philanthropy and volunteer leadership. The foundation marks its 60th anniversary in 2026, tracing its scholarship criteria to the first Board of Directors in 1965-66. Its traditional awards for graduating high school seniors who are residents of Manchester continue to use those original standards: academic achievement, financial need, community service, school activities, work experience, and special talents. The organization presents this work as part of a multi-generational legacy that balances stewardship of a strong endowment with direct service to students.

The foundation’s scope extends beyond one student group. In addition to the Traditional Scholarship for High School Seniors, it operates named programs including the Arthur Goodman Strong Memorial Scholarship, the Damato Adult Learner Scholarship, and the Alexander and Alice C. Jarvis Memorial Scholarship. For the 2026 cycle, application periods open January 1, with closing dates of March 1 for the traditional high school senior scholarship, April 15 for the Damato Adult Learner Scholarship, June 1 for the Arthur Goodman Strong Memorial Scholarship, and June 15 for the Jarvis Memorial Scholarship. This structure shows an organization serving both graduating seniors and adult learners while preserving high standards of excellence developed over more than five decades.