Scholarships

Since it was chartered in 1948, the Newport Kiwanis Club’s longest, continuous service project is offering scholarship help to promising, needy, graduates of Aquidneck Island public high schools.  Whether for college or vocational schools, each year the club provides applications to Rogers, Middletown, Portsmouth, and (since 2023) The Met School, for students to apply.

2027 will be the 79th consecutive year for the Newport Kiwanis scholarship program, a longevity service that is believed to be unmatched by any other local, voluntary civic service organization.  Two unrestricted awards of $3,000 each will be given and we will offer a new, third, award in for 2027.  The one-time awards are intended to help meet the students first year, first semester expenses.

These awards are named in memory of outstanding Newport Kiwanis leaders who have committed great service to the youth and community:

>  The Gene Perrotti Memorial Scholarship

>  The Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship

>  The  Edward “Eddie” Corrigan Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship applications are sent to each of the four school in late January with a return deadline of late March.  A select committee of Newport Kiwanis members reviews each application three times and then meets to discuss the final selections.  Every application is responded to.  The selected students are invited with their parents to attend a “Meet the Scholars” special dinner meeting of the club, usually in June.  The funds are released upon proof of enrollment.

The awards are funded by Kiwanis Club fundraising events and by individual contributions of members, the public, and by civic-minded companies and foundations.

by Jim Roehm, Past President, 2020-22.

Newport Kiwanis recognizes scholarship winner Kieran O’Brien Moore from Roger’s High School. This stand out Key Club member was presented with the President’s Award. Congrats Kieran and all of the 2026 graduates!
Shown left to right: Hakan D., Committee head James R., President Paul C., our Award recipient, Kieran O’Brien Moore, and his very proud parents.