Laura Gladding, Rich (son) and Peter (husband)

I am thrilled to have this opportunity to  thank the  Charter Oak community for the incredible support I received during my undergraduate studies. At one time the thought of finishing my Bachelor’s Degree seemed like an insurmountable task, but online classes with

COSC meant that I could study, raise my sons, and most importantly keep working.  At Charter Oak a capable and accommodating team was ready to help me succeed. The online classes were challenging and the teachers were responsive. I earned a B.S. in 2010 with a concentration in Individualized Studies focusing in Psychology and Early Childhood Education.  Another way Charter Oak offers students assistance is through financial grants. These gifts help facilitate the realization of dreams; dreams of making a better life, a more secure future. Thanks in part to the financial award that I received from Charter Oak I am enrolled as a graduate student in the University of Rhode Island’s School Library Media Department and on my way to making my dream of becoming a school librarian a reality.

Life is what you make of it. I would, and do, encourage those who have been thinking of going back to school to look at Charter Oak. Do not be afraid of getting back on that educational train; it is an exhilarating and empowering ride! I am so glad I did. (Laura Gladding, B.S. 2010)

Patricia McGill – Foundation Grant Awardee

I have always dreamed that I would and could do something with my life, but once my family started to grow; my dreams and hopes had to go on hold.  Now that my children are all grown and doing well, I knew that it was time for me to return to my dream of becoming the first in my family to ever go to college, and to receive a Bachelor’s degree.   

The scholarship that I have received from the COSC Foundation has helped to make the road to achieving my dream a little bit easier.  This scholarship has helped with me to buy my books and other material needed for my classes.   Without the kind generosity of the people of this Foundation, continuing my education would be much harder.   

Thank you one and all of the COSC Foundation.  (Patricia McGill)

During these daunting economic times, donations to the Foundation are making a critical investment in Charter Oak students and their future. We continue to see dramatic increases in the financial needs of our adult students. Last year, the Foundation supported 75 students, and the College’s Financial Aid office awarded aid, in one form or another, to more than 750 students.

In the face of the harsh realities of continued layoffs and economic hardship, your dollars will help transform the lives of our adult students as they forge new dreams and create more secure foundations for themselves and their families. As well, those dollars are supporting the current workforce to become better educated and move our state and nation out of a recession.