OpenCape Corporation, the nonprofit internet service provider that owns and operates the 100 percent fiber optic network on the Cape, Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts, will award $25,000 in scholarship funds in June to 25 graduating seniors from 10 public high schools across the Cape. The awards represent a 66 percent increase in grants OpenCape awarded in 2021 through its Scholarship Program.
The Barnstable-based ISP encouraged students to submit short essays outlining how broadband networks have impacted their education. Administered by the Mission Committee of OpenCape’s Board of Directors, committee members worked with guidance counselors and school support staff to collect and review the applications.
“The selection process was surprisingly tough,” said OpenCape Board Chairman John Campbell. “We received many strong applications from across the region. In the end, we looked at a combination of factors including demonstrable financial need, academic achievement, and initiative. The students who were chosen had applications that came through very strongly in all these areas.”
Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Mission Committee member Bob Green noted the commonality in the essays submitted with the scholarship applications.
“Students wrote very compelling essays detailing the importance of reliable high-speed internet for them to study, access online coursework, and perform research for projects,” said Green. “It’s clear these students understand the importance of being connected, and I think our information technology future is bright with so many promising young people heading off to college.”
For more information about OpenCape, visit www.opencape.org
