Touro Fraternal Association awards grants to 3 college students

CRANSTON – Touro Fraternal Association is proud to announce the awarding of $39,500 in student financial aid to young men and women who are pursuing higher education in the 2020-2021 academic year.

After going through a rigorous selection process, conducted by Touro’s Student Financial Aid Committee, three applicants were each awarded a $5,000 educational grant to help pay for college.  Additionally, seven applicants will receive $3,500 each in interest-free loans from the Leo Greenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

The grant winners are:

• Elicia Ackerman, daughter of Barry and Mia Ackerman, of Cumberland. Elicia is a senior at the University of Rhode Island, studying economics. Her interests include Spanish language and culture, mentoring younger students, and volunteering at sporting events and the Cumberland Food Pantry. She hopes to use her degree in economics and her marketing skills to improve health-care access for vulnerable people.
• Alicia Blazer, daughter of Steven and Deborah Blazer, of Providence. Alicia is a senior at the University of Rhode Island, where she is studying pharmacy. She is a USY (United Synagogue Youth) adviser and was previously a USY chapter president. Most recently, Alicia participated in a study-abroad trip to Greece, which included traveling to several other countries to learn about their culture and Jewish history.
• Gabriel Cohen, son of Richard and Marcy Cohen, of Cranston. Gabriel is a freshman at Brandeis University, where he is studying chemistry and biochemistry. While at Cranston High School West, Gabriel played saxophone in the band and participated in Model U.N. and mock trial. He has volunteered weekly at Temple Beth-El, assisting teachers in the religious school, and is involved with NFTY. He hopes to be a researcher at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Touro has made financial awards to ease the cost of higher education since the student grant and loan program was established in 1981. Regular Touro members, their children and the children of deceased Touro members who are enrolled full time in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for the interest-free loans of $3,500. Regular Touro members and their children who are enrolled full time in an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant.

For more information about the Touro Fraternal Association Loan and Grant programs, as well as other benefits for members, call 401-785-0066, send an email to info@tourofraternal.org or visit www.tourofraternal.org. 

Submitted by Touro Fraternal Association.