A versatile scholarship fund supports college and career advancement

In 2013, Lawson and Clint Allen created the annual Allen Family Scholarship for seniors graduating from either Willsboro or Boquet Valley Central School. One student per year is nominated by a local committee to receive up to four years of support.

Helping students from this region was important to the Allens. Lawson spent summers here as a child with her grandmother, whose roots go back to 1903, and Clint came every summer of their 50 years of marriage, until he died in 2020. Both understood the remarkable springboard that education can provide for those with limited resources, access, and even horizons. 

Clint’s own personal and professional success was launched from humble beginnings with full scholarships first to Exeter, then to Harvard. Both he and Lawson wanted to ensure that others could enjoy the similar privilege and opportunity that had been so transformative for him.  

Through investment and stewardship with Adirondack Community Foundation, The Allen Family Scholarship supports students over the time needed to complete their post secondary school education — be it to a four-year university or to nursing school. “Life is full of detours, crises, and setbacks,” Lawson says, “And not everyone moves in a straight line. Sometimes students need to take time off. We choose each student thoughtfully and we continue to support that student as long as it takes — within a reasonable time frame.”

More recently, Lawson created an additional opportunity for local residents through The Career Advancement Grant. It is a one-time award given annually to an adult for further study in their chosen field, or even to take an alternate path.

Each summer the Allen family — three daughters, two sons-in-law and six grandchildren — host a celebration of those awarded their scholarships. Families, teachers and townspeople gather to hand out the awards, hear stories from present and past winners, and listen to testimonials about the scholarship recipients. “We love this gathering,” says Lawson. “It taps into the richness and importance of our community, our friendships and the future. It feels good to pay it forward.”