Hillsboro Rotary Scholarship Program

About Hillsboro Rotary Scholarship Program:

The Hillsboro Rotary Scholarship Program was established in 1970 through the vision of Leonard and Jean Gratteri, and the Gratteri family continues to uphold this vision. We extend our gratitude to Kenny, Sandi, Antoinette, and Lee for allowing us to be part of something truly special and legendary, embodying the spirit of service above self.

Our community outreach for Scholarship Program Funding has expanded, and we are grateful for the contributions from our community partners, including the City of Hillsboro, led by City Manager Robby Hammond, and Intel, and Washington County led by Commissioner Jerry Willey.

Since 1970, we have raised over $800,000 and helped more than 304 students from the Hillsboro School District. Over the past 54 years, we have awarded scholarships to an average of 5-7 students annually, each receiving approximately $3,000.

From 1970 to 1988, around 164 students received scholarships.
From 1989 to 2004, about 75 students received scholarships.
From 2005 to 2023, 159 students received scholarships.

Each year, we collaborate with high school counselors right after spring break to discuss our program and criteria. Schools can nominate 2-4 students to interview with our Rotarians. We select two host schools for interviews, which are conducted in May. Our committee then meets to discuss the candidates and select the winners. We attend each graduation ceremony in person to announce the winners, hold a luncheon for them in June, and invite them to join the 4th of July Parade on the Rotary Float. Each student has three years to utilize their scholarship funds or can apply for an extension. Throughout the year, we check on the students to see how they are doing.

Our success with the scholarship program would not be possible without the commitment from the Hillsboro School District leadership and high school guidance counselors.