Housatonic Community College Foundation Announces Recipients of the Fairfield County Bank Scholarship for the Spring 2026 Semester
Bridgeport, CT—July 10, 2026: Fairfield County Bank is proud to celebrate the fourth class of recipients of the Fairfield County Bank Scholarship through the Housatonic Community College Foundation (HCC Foundation). The scholarship is awarded to CT State Housatonic students majoring in business or finance.
The Fairfield County Bank Scholarship was created in 2022, with Fairfield County Bank Executive Vice President Jennifer Cutrali facilitating the connection between the Bank and HCC Foundation. The scholarship is awarded annually in the spring to students majoring in finance or business. This year, two students were selected from a strong pool of applicants.
Andrea S.C. is a non-traditional student returning to education after a 20-year hiatus as an accounting major. She plans to pursue a master’s degree after her time at CT State Housatonic and hopes to start her own tax consulting business one day. Mariana D.F., the second recipient, is pursuing a degree in business administration and marketing while balancing a full-time job. She will be a first-generation DACA college graduate.
“Each year when the scholarship recipients are announced, I’m filled with an immense amount of pride,” said Jennifer Cutrali. “These students work tirelessly to overcome countless obstacles on their higher education journeys. I’m grateful to help ease some of these roadblocks through my position on the Foundation’s Board and my work coordinating the Fairfield County Bank Scholarship.”
Ms. Cutrali joined Fairfield County Bank in 2020 and was named Executive Vice President in 2025. Volunteerism and community engagement are at the core of Fairfield County Bank’s values. Jennifer is deeply involved with her community, serving as a Board Member and Treasurer of the HCC Foundation, where she leads both the Finance and Investment committees. In addition, she is Chairperson of the Fair Rent Commission for the City of Shelton and is a member of the Environmental Bankers Association and the Risk Management Association, where she serves on the Women in Risk and Assurance Committee.
“Fairfield County Bank’s continued investment in our students is helping remove financial barriers and open pathways to meaningful careers,” said Dr. Kamari A. Collins, Campus President of CT State Housatonic. “We are thankful for their partnership and proud to celebrate Andrea and Mariana as they pursue their educational and professional goals.”
The HCC Foundation expands access to quality, affordable higher education and works closely with the college to enhance the learning experience, workforce development education, and training for students. The HCC Foundation was founded in 1990 by a group of Greater Bridgeport residents and business and arts leaders. Beyond the fundamentals provided by the State of Connecticut, the HCC Foundation provides financial assistance to the College and its students and assists the College in becoming a unique educational resource for its students and the community.
Click here for more information about the Housatonic Community College Foundation and how to support student success.
To learn more about Fairfield County Bank’s community support, please visit: Supporting Our Community - Fairfield County Bank.
Founded in 1871, Fairfield County Bank is a $1.7 billion community bank with locations throughout Fairfield County. Fairfield County Bank delivers a full range of financial services through superior Client relationships and the knowledge that when you put your money in Fairfield County Bank, it stays in Fairfield County—strengthening our communities. Visit www.fairfieldcountybank.com to find out more about the Bank.
