Education Programming
Each year, the Midstate Chamber gives away scholarship awards to area high school students.
The Sanford S. Shorr Education Awards are in honor of Sanford S. Shorr who served as the Executive Director of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce for 29 years with distinction, dedication and impeccable character. His deep sense of service to his community are the basis for these awards. SSS & HOLA award winners exemplify the same high values, outstanding character, and a commitment to community service. The Chamber’s Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action (HOLA) Committee raises funds annually for their award.
The Sanford S. Shorr Education Awards are awarded annually by the Midstate Chamber of Commerce for up to three graduating high school students. Each of the three awards is for $1,000. This award is based on community service for students to continue their education past high school. The essential criteria consist of high character, service to community, school, and others. Applicants must demonstrate community service hours that are over and above the basic graduation requirements. One additional Sanford S. Shorr Education Award of $1,000 may be made to a student who is returning to college having completed at least one full year of college. This is an award based on community service beyond high school. The essential criteria consists of high character and service to community, school and others. The Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action Committee is pleased to award at least three $1,000 awards for a graduating Hispanic high school student(s).
The following awards are distributed through the Chamber but funds are held through the Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation and are not solely based on community service: The Frank A. & Charlotte G. Young Award. This is a one year award of $1,800 for a Meriden resident (graduating high school senior) that “excels in the field of Science and/or Math and will be pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or Business.
The Chamber also be accepting applications for the Bruce H. Kannenberg & Jonal Laboratories, Inc. Education Award. This is a 4 year award for $1,000 per year for a Meriden resident graduating from a Meriden Public School who will be pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or Business.