The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation (NCEF) is pleased to award two CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley students with scholarships to attend the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights (OCHR) in England in 2026. Putnam residents Keegan McOsker and Rebecca Shea will spend a week at the interactive conferences along with students from thirty universities and community colleges across the country and additional students from South Korea, Kenya, and Brazil.
Supported by funds raised from the Foundation’s annual golf tournament and Tackle the Trail events, the scholarship covers program fees and travel expenses up to $5,000 each, giving students a rare opportunity to study abroad and learn from international scholars in the field of human rights. NCEF President Joseph Adiletta commented on the impact of the program, “This international exposure to students from Northeast Connecticut can be a life changing experience. NCEF’s ability to support students derives directly from the generous donations of so many of our community friends, businesses, and organizations, to whom I extend NCEF’s sincere appreciation.” Thanks to Steve and Marge Townsend, past OCHR scholarship winners include Emmalee Fritzsche of Canterbury, Julia Revellese of Dayville, John Murray of Pomfret Center, and Kenna Lavallee of Danielson.
Keegan McOsker, who will participate in the Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency program in March of 2026 noted, “I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of human rights as a whole and specifically the ways in which we can help the many lives that have been upturned by war.” Rebecca Shea expressed her gratitude to the Foundation, “I am incredibly grateful and profoundly honored to have been selected to attend the consortium. This is an exciting opportunity to be immersed in a different culture and meet students from around the globe.”
The mission of the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation is to provide scholarships and other financial support to residents of Northeast Connecticut who want to pursue higher education. In addition to the OCHR scholarships, the NCEF also provides $300,000 in scholarships and block grants supporting local students each year. Visit necteducationfoundation.org for more information.
To learn more about CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley and ways to support local students attending the college, please contact Monique C.K. Wolanin at (860) 932-4174 or [email protected].
