RTK Scholars - Danerick and Diego
Since 1996, American Savings Foundation has awarded over $13.4 million to Robert T. Kenney Scholars.
Since 1996, American Savings Foundation has awarded over $13.4 million to Robert T. Kenney Scholars.
As early as 12 years old, Danerick Peralta found his graphic designs featured on posters, t-shirts, and other material for Pathways/Senderos, a New Britain youth program. Danerick and his brother Diego spent most of their time after school at Pathways. The agency actively supported Danerick's passion for art and design, and inspired Diego by demonstrating the impact of working in the community.
Diego was the first to attend college when he enrolled at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). His college journey was made a little easier when he earned a Robert T. Kenney Scholarship from the American Savings Foundation. A few years later, he had an opportunity to return to Pathways/ Senderos in a paid summer internship, thanks to a grant from the Foundation. The internship further confirmed his desire to pursue a career in social services. He went on to earn a master's degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from CCSU.
The Foundation awards a small number of graduate school scholarships to past Robert T. Kenney Scholars, primarily those pursuing a master's degree in education or social services, and who plan to study and stay in Connecticut. A fit for both criteria, Diego received the scholarship for all three years of graduate school. He now works in the field as a Behavioral Health counselor at CMHA in New Britain.
A few years younger than his brother, Danerick also enrolled at CCSU to study Graphic Design and Business Marketing. He, too, earned a Robert T. Kenney Scholarship and also secured a paid summer internship. In 2015 he was a featured student speakers at the Foundation's annual scholarship reception.
Danerick currently works both as a freelance Designer and a Digital Design Lead. He is also currently working towards a Master's Degree in Design & Technology at Parsons School of Design. We are so grateful to Danerick for lending his professional expertise to design our 25th Anniversary Logo.
The Pathways/Senderos Center was established in 1993 to provide comprehensive, holistic services to local youth. Their ultimate goal is to help students earn their high school and college degrees before becoming parents themselves – "diplomas before diapers." Pathways uses a case management approach to provide long-term, wrap-around support for youth and their families. Their program model includes seven integrated components to support students' academics and career preparation, health and wellness, and social-emotional wellbeing."