Jayson Rodriguez

The Rhode Island Foundation is sending a Cranston student off to college with a scholarship honoring Roger Williams, the state’s founding father.

Jayson Rodriguez won the four-year, renewable scholarship through the foundation’s Carter Roger Williams Initiative, which was launched by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter.

“All of these students discovered inspiration in Roger Williams and in turn has an inspiring story of their own to share. It is only due to the commitment of the Carter family that we can offer students and their parents this opportunity to think big about their future,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the foundation.

Rodgriguez is one of five students selected statewide based on their academic achievement, financial need, appreciation for Roger Williams’ values and record of community service. They are eligible to receive up to $320,000 over four years. More than 70 students across Rhode Island competed for the scholarship assistance.

Rodriguez attends the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center. Their activities include College Visions, Leadership Team co-director of the Providence Student Union and founder and editor-in-chief of the youth literary magazine Violet Magic Zine.

A recipient of a Scholastics Art and Writing Award and the Secretary of State’s Civil Leadership Award, Rodriguez was also a finalist for a National Youngarts Foundation photography award and a Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Teen Portrait award.

Rodriquez plans to attend New York University and major in photography, Africana Studies and literature. The Cranston resident’s goal is to become a college professor or civil rights attorney focusing on the study of equity and justice in Black, Brown and Indigenous communities.

“Through his dedication, he inspired many to think outside of the realm of the status quo. This is exactly what I aspire to: to stand strong in my beliefs, regardless of how radical others may perceive them to be. Roger Williams proved that no idea is too radical and no future is too unthinkable. That asking questions and being critical of our surroundings is essential to human development, and that when we critique, we uncover the truths and ideas that lead us towards a more equitable society,” Rodriguez said.

The other recipients of 2021 Carter Roger Williams Scholarships are Ita Encarnacion of Providence, Joseph Grajales of Providence, Haylee Mota of East Providence and Michael Salzillo of Providence.

In addition to providing scholarships, the Carter Roger Williams Initiative hosts a website – findingrogerwilliams.com – that offers educational resources for students and educators and awards grants to schools to underwrite field trips to the State House.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the foundation raised $68 million and awarded a record $87 million in grants in 2020. Since its centennial five years ago, the foundation has awarded more than $284 million in grants and has raised more than $328 million. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.