About Us

The East Lyme Scholarship Association (ELSA) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Although legally independent of East Lyme High School, the Association’s primary purpose is to administer and annually distribute scholarship funds to selected members of the senior class at East Lyme High School. The Association consists of a maximum of twelve directors who represent the towns of East Lyme, Salem, and East Lyme High School.

The Association relies on donations from the public for all of its scholarship funds. Of the approximate 75 scholarships awarded each year, about one-half were established as memorials to individuals. The remainder are donations from businesses, professions, civic organizations, service clubs, and the educational community of East Lyme and Salem. Among the criteria that are included in the scholarships awarded this year are: financial need, academic achievement, stated intention to follow a certain career path, significant community service, and participation in extra curricular activities.