Big Y's Scholarship Program

Company : Connecticut Food Association

Program category : Social Impact

Origins:

Established in 1981 as a tribute to its employees and customers, Big Y's scholarship program honors the legacy of the company's founders, the late Paul H. D'Amour and his brother, Gerald E. D'Amour. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $6.7 million in scholarships to more than 8,800 students, underscoring Big Y's enduring commitment to education and community investment.

View the 2025 Recap Video

Contribution:

As part of this year's program, 240 students from across Massachusetts and Connecticut received nearly $280,000 in scholarships to support their academic pursuits and help them achieve their future goals.

Objectives:

Expand Access to Higher Education
Provide financial assistance that helps students pursue post-secondary education and reduce the financial barriers to earning a degree or credential.
Recognize Academic Achievement and Leadership
Reward students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and personal accomplishment.
Invest in Employees and Their Families
Support the educational aspirations of Big Y employees and their dependents as part of the company's commitment to employee development and well-being.
Strengthen Communities Through Education
Foster long-term community prosperity by investing in the next generation of leaders, professionals, and engaged citizens throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Honor Big Y's Founding Values

Impact:

Scholarship recipients expressed their gratitude for Big Y’s support:

• “Thank you to the entire scholarship committee for honoring me with this award. I promise that I will use these funds well and dedicate myself to my education and service.” – Lily G.

• “Thank you for your generosity and your belief in my potential, as this scholarship will allow me to both attend college and to pursue my passion for empowering others.” – Teniola A.

• “I truly appreciate the investment you are making in me for my future.” – Simeon J. M.

Big Y remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves by investing in the next generation of leaders and helping students pursue their educational goals. To view the full list of 2026 scholarship recipients, visit Big Y Scholarship Program.

Quote:

"Big Y's scholarship program reflects a long-standing commitment to investing in the future of our communities. Since its founding in 1981, more than $6.7 million has been contributed to help generations of students pursue their educational goals and achieve their aspirations. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we are especially proud of the lasting impact this program has had across the regions we serve." - Michael D’Amour, president and CEO

Support Statement:

It is my privilege to enthusiastically support the nomination of the Big Y Scholarship program for this well-deserved recognition. Renowned for its commitment to people and purpose, Big Y has earned recognition from Forbes as a Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut for seven straight years and from Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for three years running. In 2026, nearly $280,000 in scholarships has been awarded to 240 students as part of Big Y's annual scholarship program. Recipients from across Massachusetts and Connecticut will use these awards to pursue their academic goals and future aspirations.

- Wayne Pesce, Connecticut Food Association