Amanda Massa Awarded a Ruth Taylor Scholarship

United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) is proud to announce that Amanda Massa of West Harrison has been awarded a 2019 Ruth Taylor Scholarship. She is one of ten recipients who collectively received scholarship awards totaling $19,500.

“I know each one of these extraordinary graduate students will make outstanding contributions to their fields and to their community,” said UWWP President and CEO Tom Gabriel. “We at United Way wish them the very best as they further their education and embark on challenging careers.”

Massa is currently employed as an Assistant Teacher at the Children’s Corner Learning Center in Harrison.  She was previously an Assistant Teacher at Little Feet First in Larchmont. Massa has served as a guest speaker, focusing on eating disorders, at the Deerfield Academy in Deerfield Massachusetts.  She also worked with seniors through the Boltwood project in Amherst, Massachusetts.

“I am honored to be able to receive such an incredible award from an organization that does so much,” Massa said.  “Being given this opportunity has motivated me to become even more involved within my community through volunteerism and advocacy.”

Massa completed a Human Resources internship at Cardinal McCloskey Community Services in Valhalla.  She studied at Quinnipiac College, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  She is currently enrolled at Fordham University and is pursuing a Masters of Social Work degree.  Her award is in the amount of $1,500.

The Ruth Taylor Scholarship was established in tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as Westchester County’s Commissioner of Public Welfare and in recognition of her nearly four decades of outstanding service. The annual awards are sponsored by United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester County Government and the Urban League of Westchester County.  Over a period of 12 years, almost $160,000 has been awarded to 60 students with an average award value of $2,655. Applicants must be residents of Westchester County and enrolled in graduate studies in Social Work or Public Health on a full-time basis. Criteria used in evaluating applications include a demonstration of public service, financial need, and scholastic capacity.