Wellspring House Marks Historic Milestone as First Scholarship Cohort Graduates College

Wellspring House celebrated 18 scholarship recipients, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, at its 2026 Scholarship Award Celebration last Thursday, June 11, 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of the organization’s signature education programs. For the first time, students from the inaugural cohort of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund graduated from college. 

The celebration brought together scholarship recipients with their family and friends, Gloucester Public Schools representatives including Superintendent Ben Lummis, GHS Principal Dr. John Perella, Wellspring Staff, Board members and supporters, and community members to recognize students pursuing higher education, workforce training, and career advancement. The event also featured remarks from two alumni of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund, who reflected on their educational journeys and the support that helped them persist through college and into their careers. 

“Looking back, I realize success was never about having all the answers,” said scholarship alumnus Yahir Vasquez. “It came from community, being willing to make mistakes, and continuing to show up even when things felt difficult.” 

Recipients of two scholarships were honored during the event. The Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund awards up to $10,000 per academic year, and up to $40,000 per student, with the option to carry funding into a fifth year, to Gloucester residents graduating from Cape Ann high schools and pursuing a higher education degree. To be considered, students must be actively working with Wellspring or referred by a guidance counselor. The Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund supports Wellspring program participants by covering education expenses that many scholarships overlook, including transportation, supplies, books, online resources, and computers. Together, the two scholarships help remove the financial barriers that can prevent students from achieving their educational and career goals. 

“Watching the first cohort of Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund students graduate from college is a moment we have worked toward for years, and it speaks to something deeper about how Wellspring works,” said Melissa Dimond, the organization’s President and Executive Director. “We meet people where they are, whether that’s a student who needs extra support navigating in their first semester or someone moving forward from a major family setback losing their housing, and we stay with them as they work toward stability and success. The long-term commitment is what makes the difference.” 

The scholarship selection process is led by a special advisory committee made up of members of Wellspring’s staff and board of directors, and community partners. This year the committee reviewed over 35 applications, conducted interviews, and nominated the recipients based on a variety of factors, ranging but not limited to education and career goals, essays, personal statements, and financial need.  

“As a first-year Board Member at Wellspring House, I was honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Scholarship Committee. Meeting and interviewing the candidates was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with Wellspring. Each student shared their unique passions, goals, and determination to further their education, and I was inspired by their drive and commitment to their future. “Knowing that I played a small part in helping support their educational journey is incredibly meaningful. Investing in students and their potential is truly an investment in our community’s future, and I am grateful to be involved in such an impactful program,” shared Krystal Williams, Wellspring House Board Member and AVP, Branch Manager Cape Ann Saving Bank.  

“At Wellspring, our commitment to students extends far beyond graduation. We are dedicated to supporting our participants throughout their educational journey and as they take their next steps toward career and personal success. This graduating class represents not only an important milestone, but also the beginning of new opportunities and achievements ahead. Through continued mentorship, resources, and community connections, we remain invested in helping each student reach their full potential,” said Andy Allen, Director of Education and Career Pathways, Wellspring House. 

These scholarships are part of Wellspring’s broader Education and Career Pathways programs, which equip adults and young adults with the credentials, skills, and confidence needed to pursue education, employment, and long-term economic mobility. For many recipients, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, the scholarships represent more than financial assistance. Through career advising, mentorship, scholarship support, and ongoing guidance, Wellspring helps students navigate the transition from high school to college and from college into careers, creating pathways to opportunity that extend well beyond graduation day. 

Many of this year’s scholarship recipients will continue their educational journeys at institutions including North Shore Community College and Salem State University, longstanding Wellspring partners that provide accessible paths to degree attainment for North Shore students.  

The celebration reflects the scale of Wellspring’s broader reach across Cape Ann, where demand for these programs continues to grow. During the past year, 135 adults enrolled in Wellspring’s ESOL program, 100 adults prepared for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), and 87 high school seniors and recent graduates received career advising and scholarship support services. Wellspring remains the only HiSET testing site on Cape Ann and recently expanded its ESOL programming to include digital literacy and career advising. 

These outcomes are made possible by donors, partners, and advocates who believe that financial security should be within reach for every North Shore resident.  For more information or to support these critical programs, visit wellspringhouse.org.

2026 Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund Recipients: Britney Aguilar, Yaira Baez, Lizy Erazo Jesika Gutierrez, Auraylia Lord, Kiara Olson, Evan Porter, Jazmin Saloj, Molly Taormina, Julia Tremblay

2026 Cape Ann Graduate Fund Recipients: Sean Abell, Jamani Belle, Ayden Curley, Alyssa Estime, Shyia-Rose Goodrich, Jennifer Magalhaes, Jaylen Severino, Anas Yousif

All Photo Credits: Kendra Dott Photography | Sharon’s Studio of Gloucester