OXFORD — Attention all Class of 2026 high school seniors who are Oxford, CT residents – the application deadline is April 6, 2026 for the 4-year renewable 2026 Rowland R. Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship.  The application can be accessedviathe Town of Oxford website at www.oxford-ct.gov. 

Also visit your high school’s website or your school guidance department office for a hard copy. All application packets must be postmarked or hand-delivered before 5 pm by Monday, April 6, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered!

The Rowland R. Strong and Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded this scholarship annually since 2018 to two (2) Oxford residents in their senior year of high school who meet the eligibility criteria (please refer to the application for more information). Each year, the amount of each scholarship award has been at least $7,000 and is renewable for three (3) subsequent years provided that the recipients successfully continue in a 4-year degree program at an accredited college or university. 

Applications have been submitted by Oxford residents who attend high schools such as Nonnewaug, Emmett O’Brien, Notre Dame, Holy Cross, St. Joseph’s and Hopkins, in addition to those who attend Oxford High School. Therefore, if you are an Oxford resident, it doesn’t matter from which high school you will graduate in 2026. Per one of the first recipients of this scholarship: 

“I wholeheartedly recommend this scholarship to any high school senior who is committed to continuing their education but may need financial support… If you’re eligible, I urge you to apply. It could be the key to unlocking the future you’ve always dreamed of, just as it was for me.” – Jaden Diaz, 2018 Strong Memorial Scholarship RecipientThe Rowland R. Strong & Edith H. Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund (managed andadministered by the Valley Community Foundation in Derby, CT) was established through the bequest of Miriam S. Strong (a long-time Oxford resident) in memory of her late parents who advocated the support of young people who desired to continue their education by earning a college degree.

The intent of the scholarship is to provide financial support to Oxford student(s) who are able to attend a 4-year college or university.