A million dollar idea

Congratulations to Sebastian Connolly ’20, whose idea for transforming Rhode Island won the 2024 Transform Rhode Island Scholarship competition. As the winner, he will see his idea backed by a $1 million investment from the Papitto Opportunity Connection.

Three of the eleven finalists in the competition were Gordon graduates: Sebastian, and also Mariely Madeira ’20 and Reyan Datta ’21. Gordon’s mission includes graduating leaders who go on to make positive change in the world, and this competition is proof that Gordon is succeeding in that work.

The Transform Rhode Island Scholarship competition centers on a simple challenge: “If you had $1-million how would you change Rhode Island?” The competition seeks to “give voice to young people who want to make a difference in the Ocean State’s communities with the greatest need, and remove remove barriers to higher education.”

Sebastian’s proposal to create an interschool tutoring program will address the needs of the state by reducing educational inequity and fostering connection between students and schools.

The award was announced tonight at a ceremony that included all the finalists and performances by musicians who included even more Gordon alumni. After the ceremony, Sebastian shared, “I am so thrilled to work with this incredible organization and make a real impact on an issue I am passionate about. It was fantastic, but not surprising, to share the night with so many Gordon graduates, and I was inspired to hear from so many remarkable students about their ideas to transform our state for the better.”