Featured in The Day on January 17, 2021

Stonington -- The Eugene Atwood Fund has announced that it has awarded $10,000 each to Ella T. Grasso Technical High School and Norwich Technical High School to purchase tools and equipment for student use in the classroom.

The award, presented in celebration of the fund's 105th anniversary, highlighted its interest-free loan program for New London County college-bound students and the addition of a new loan program for students going to trade school.

 “The idea to focus attention on the area of technology and trades came from within the spirit of our mission statement which is to help industrious hardworking people build careers,” said the fund's Managing Trustee Erica Lindberg Gourd.

Wes Dawley, a member of the fund's trade and technology committee, added, “with over thirty years’ experience in the construction industry, I have seen the downturn in young people getting into the trades and hope that our new trade loan and award programs will engage those considering a future in the trades.”

Grasso Tech in Groton recently opened a new building with state-of-the-art classrooms that include the latest technology and industry-standard equipment with training in 12 technologies.

“We truly appreciate the $10,000 Award from the Eugene Atwood Fund for our trades; each trade will benefit from these funds, said Grasso Principal Patricia Feeney. "The items that we will now be able to purchase will better enhance the overall shop experience for all students; therefore will also allow for greater concentration and skill development that will make our students highly marketable. These items will continue to help our students to be successful in the study of their career choice.”

Norwich Tech offers instruction in 12 career paths. 

“We are so grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Through the very generous award from the Eugene Atwood Fund, all Norwich Tech students will benefit from learning and practicing their skills using current industry equipment," said Principal Patricia D. King.

Fund Administrator Stacey Haskell said the fund is excited to provide this funding to the schools for tools and equipment with the need for experienced skilled workers and tradespeople being in such high demand.
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The fund is accepting applications for its interest-free loan programs and seeking nominations from principals for its award programs through Feb. 28. More information and application can be found at www.eugeneatwoodfund.org.

December 31, 2020 - The Eugene Atwood Fund was featured on WBLQ radio to discuss our 2021-2022 interest free loan program as well as history on our organization as we move into our 105th year.   Applications available through Feb 28th.

The Eugene Atwood Fund received a $10,000 donation from the Estate of Mr. Bruce Tyler of Portland, CT.

In 1958, while in attendance at Fitch High School, Mr. Tyler was nominated for the Eugene Atwood Award by his school administrators.  He was awarded $1,000 which was sent to him over the course of four years while he was attending Wesleyan University.  He went on to receive advanced degrees from Wesleyan University (BA), the University of Wisconsin, Madison (MA) and the University of Connecticut (Ph.D.) He taught for six years in Norwich and East Hampton before moving onto becoming a management trainer at Electric Boat. He then joined the Hartford Insurance Group as a management trainer. After a number of promotions he transferred to the Consumer Finance Division of ITT Corporation in Minneapolis where he retired as Vice President and Director of Human Resources.

Mr. Tyler was also very active in his community participating on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Housing Authority, Board of Education, Charter Revision Commission., Godfrey Memorial Library Board of Trustees, Community Action of Greater Middletown Board of Directors, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Middletown along with many others.

"This generous donation bequeathed to The Eugene Atwood Fund will provide many students with the opportunity to further their education and/or career as Mr. Tyler did throughout his extraordinary life, stated Stacey Haskell, Administrator of the Eugene Atwood Fund, 'We offer our sincere gratitude to the late Mr. Tyler and his family for supporting of our programs."