Harriet Irsay Scholarship
“I wanted to give something to people of Polish descent,
so they would be able to improve themselves
through education.
We should help our own people,
just like other nations help their students”
-Harriet Irsay
About Hariet Irsay
Mrs. Harriet Irsay, born Jadwiga Pogorzelski, was a member of the American Institute of Polish Culture in Miami, Florida, since its inception in 1972. Soon after that, she joined the Board of Directors where she remained until 2008. In 1992, she established the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund as part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts to foster education and culture in America. Irsay, whose family owned the Indianapolis Colts since the 1970’s, funded many charitable causes. This scholarship is a tribute to her Polish roots.
The Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to American students, preferably of Polish Heritage, who wish to continue their education after high school and through college. With an eye toward the future and the distribution of information regarding Polish culture, history and people, the grants are given to students from a variety of majors and academic disciplines. Since the launch of the program, more than $275,000 has been awarded to students from all over the Country.
Mrs. Isray passed away in July 2008, but her legacy remains with the contributions she made of over a quarter million dollars. She is greatly missed and remembered for her generosity.
Scholarship History
Since 1992, the Scholarship Committee of the American Institute of Polish Culture has awarded scholarships to over 215 talented American students of Polish descent. Within the last few years, the Institute broadened the scope of majors and other requirements in the interest of reaching a larger population of students.
We hope our readers will spread the word about the Scholarship and will continue to support the fund by making financial contributions. Pledges are invaluable in assisting the new generation of Polish-American students. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
“To know that we know what we know,
and to know that we do not
know what we do not know
that is true knowledge.”
-Nicolaus Copernicus
Please help shape the future of students, preferably of Polish descent, by making contributions to the Harriet Irsay Scholarship Fund. Additionally, we are always looking to establish new scholarships. Please let us know if you are interested in starting a fund in your name at the Institute.
If you would like to be part of the scholarship committee that dedicates its time to reviewing applications and selecting the most worthy students, please contact us for more information.
To contribute to the Scholarship Fund please contact the Institute
assistant@ampolinstitute.org
