The College of St. Joseph celebrated another milestone for the Provider Scholarship Program, announcing the completion of more than 2,100 hours of service this past semester and 22,600 cumulative hours of service since the program began.

Community engagement coordinator Kim Rupe, along with faculty, staff and representatives from several of the program’s partner organizations, praised the students’ contributions at the annual year-end ceremony on May 16, stressing the value of the program to both students and the community.

The keynote address was delivered by Habitat for Humanity’s co-president Andrew Salamon, who spoke of the importance of volunteering beyond college. Leaders from United Way of Rutland County and Rutland Community Cupboard also addressed the students and thanked them for their efforts during the recent Mail Carriers Food Drive, which netted nearly 22,000 pounds of food for the Rutland Community Cupboard.

Senior Samantha Pratt was recognized for completing the most hours of service this semester.  She logged 67 hours, more than four times the required number.

CSJ Provider Scholars worked with the following Rutland County agencies during the spring semester: BROC Community Action, West Rutland Carving Studio, Rutland Community Cupboard, Vermont Achievement Center, Downtown Rutland Partnership, Dismas of Vermont, American Red Cross, Bardwell House, Loretto Home, Rutland County Parent & Child Center, VT State Parks (specifically Bomoseen), Mount St. Joseph Academy, Everybody Wins!, Habitat for Humanity, Rutland ARC, United Way, New Story Center, Heritage Family Credit Union (for Shiver me Shamrocks), and VT Foodbank.

The Provider Scholarship program was developed in 2013 and is the only one of its kind in Vermont. It provides a generous financial package for full-time, residential undergraduate students, and incorporates a commitment to academic curiosity, personal and professional growth, and service to the community.