Watertown Foundation

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2026 Scholarships

The Watertown Foundation enables people with philanthropic interests to support non-profit community organizations and to provide scholarships to Watertown resident graduating high school seniors assisting them financially in achieving post-secondary education.

Scholarship awards are competitive, and unfortunately, the Scholarship Committee will not be able to offer an award to every deserving applicant. Awards are based on information submitted on the following application and from the high school scholastic record, test scores, essays, extracurricular and community involvement, and financial information.  Awards are the sole decision and responsibility of the Watertown Foundation Scholarship Committee and are based on the committee’s judgment of the applicant’s submitted application information.

APPLY HERE

Eligibility Requirements

  • Residency in Watertown or Oakville for at least three years (regardless of the secondary school attended)
  • Two teacher and/or guidance counselor recommendation letters
  • Request two letters of recommendation to be emailed directly to wtnfoundationct@gmail.com
  • List of activities and contributions to your school and community
  • Financial need as determined by the FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI)
  • Student essay
  • Scholastic transcript obtained from guidance counselor
  • SAT or ACT score report if available

Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Submissions received after this date will not be considered.

Available Scholarships

The following scholarships are restricted to students graduating from WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL only, and are based on financial need. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior with plans to attend college or a trade school.

  • Antonacci Family Foundation/Watertown Oakville Chamber Of Commerce Scholarship for STEM Awarded with a preference given to a student in technical education, who intends to pursue a career in a skilled trade or a science-, technology-, engineering- or math-related field at a post-secondary school or institution, and who demonstrates academic excellence and provides evidence of contributing to the school and/or community through volunteer activities and/or entrepreneurship.
  • Fletcher Judson Memorial Scholarship Awarded on the basis of academic excellence and exemplary community service.
  • Kathleen M. Scully Memorial Scholarship Awarded to a student who is pursuing a degree in education. Established in 2023, this scholarship is given in memory of Kathy Scully, an exceptional educator and administrator who spent her entire 36-year career in the Watertown/Oakville school system.
  • Ricky Bozzuto Memorial Scholarship Awarded on the basis of scholastic excellence in the areas of mathematics, physical sciences and/or information technology.  The recipient should demonstrate financial need.  This scholarship is given in memory of a man devoted to scholarship, country, work, and especially his family.
  • Watertown Oakville Chamber Of Commerce Business Scholarship Awarded to a student who intends to pursue a post-secondary education in a business-related field of study and who demonstrates academic excellence, participates in an extracurricular business-related club or organization, and provides evidence of contributing to the school and/or community through volunteer activities and/or entrepreneurship.
  • William H. and Margaret E. Eppehimer Memorial Scholarship Awarded to a student who is dedicated to our community through volunteerism. Preference will be given to an individual interested in pursuing a degree in sales, marketing, or business.

The following scholarships are available to students graduating from ANY secondary school and are based on financial need.

  • David Woodward Scholarship
    This scholarship is given in honor of David Woodward, one of the founding charter members of the Watertown Foundation, and is made possible through the generosity of the Woodward Fund. Preference will be given to a student who has shown vision and leadership in their efforts to improve the lives of others in our community. 
  • M. Heminway Merriman 2nd Scholarship
    Through the generosity of the Woodward Fund, a scholarship will be awarded to a student who has shown a contribution to Watertown through time and energy devoted to improving the community.
  • Northwest Community Bank Scholarship
    Awarded to a deserving individual with a preference given to a student pursuing a degree in finance, accounting, or business management. 
  • Town of Watertown Scholarship
    Awarded to a high school senior based on a combination of the student’s GPA, financial need, and participation in community and public service.
  • Watertown Foundation Past Presidents’ Scholarship
    In 1925, a small group of residents gathered to organize a foundation, dedicated to making our community a better place to live. Under the guidance and generosity of David Woodward, the first president, the Watertown Foundation was established to support the needs of the community. More than fifty presidents of vision and commitment have volunteered their time and talents to further the goals of this foundation since its founding. This scholarship is awarded to a senior who has exemplified the ideals of community service by following the inspiration of the founders of the Watertown Foundation. 
  • Watertown Foundation Scholarship
    Awarded in recognition of the contributions the student has made to the community and to their high school while maintaining a strong scholastic record.  The student should demonstrate financial need. Two scholarships provide a renewal opportunity for the sophmore, junior, and senior years of college.
  • William and Janet Dunbar Scholarship
    Awarded to a student who has achieved a strong scholastic record and has demonstrated strength of character through their contribution to and participation in both their school and community. Awarded to a student attending either a four year college or a trade school. Based in part on the student’s financial need. 

The following scholarships are available to students graduating from ANY secondary school and are NOT based on financial need.

  • Joyce Mordenti Scholarship
    Awarded to a student who self-identifies as female (by birth or by choice). Preference given to a recipient who plans on attending any public university, college, or community college in Connecticut and has demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity in high school due to personal, academic, or mental health challenges. This scholarship is not based on grades or financial need, and is given through the generosity of Joyce Mordenti and Jim Pohl in recognition of the benefits she and her husband received from their educations at the University of Connecticut. It commemorates the Watertown Foundation Scholarship that Joyce received in 1970.      
  • Reinhold and Katie DeWitt Scholarship
    Awarded on the basis of academic excellence, demonstrated sensitivity to others needs, and the ability to work cooperatively with those in need.  This scholarship is not based on financial need, and is given through the generosity of Mrs. Reinhold DeWitt in recognition of the benefits she and her husband received from their educations that provided them the opportunities for work, friendships, and service to others.