During a scholarship presentation ceremony, HV Business Link members proudly presented more than $3,000 to the SUNY Orange Foundation, demonstrating their shared commitment to investing in students, entrepreneurship, and the future of the local community.
SUNY Orange Scholarship changes lives
For Kristin Jensen, Executive Director of the SUNY Orange Foundation, scholarships are much more than financial assistance.
“For many, it’s the difference between being able to stay in school or not,” Jensen said. “The funds students receive make a life-changing difference. Scholarships really make a significant difference in the lives of our students so they can continue toward their goal of graduation.”
Over the past academic year, the SUNY Orange Foundation awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to approximately 275 students. Many recipients balance college with full-time jobs and family responsibilities, making scholarship support critical.
“We are all part of the same community,” Jensen said. “The students have the opportunity to stay here, live and work in the community, and grow their families here. We couldn’t do it without the local community and local businesses.”
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Jensen also emphasized that anyone can make a difference.
“You don’t have to be somebody with a really big bank account,” she said. “You just have to be someone who has a big heart and is interested in helping students.”
A promise fulfilled through community collaboration
For Barbara Martinez, founder of HV Business Link, the scholarship fulfills a promise years in the making.
A SUNY Orange alumna, Martinez said she first envisioned a scholarship for business students with former SUNY Orange Foundation CEO Dawn Ansbro during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the project was delayed and Ansbro later passed away, Martinez was determined to carry it through.
“When Dawn passed away, I felt like I needed to finish what we started,” she said.
With support from HV Business Link members, local entrepreneurs raised more than $3,000 to establish the scholarship.
“It was always supposed to be small businesses working together to make it possible for future business leaders attending SUNY Orange,” Martinez said.
She believes supporting local students is an investment in the community’s future.
“When local businesses support local students, you’re putting money back into the community. We’re watering our own garden by thinking about future leaders.”
Martinez hopes the scholarship encourages students to build their futures—and their businesses—right here in Orange County.
Entrepreneurs investing in future leaders
Among the scholarship’s supporters is Jeff Powers, co-owner of Automotive Ingenuity HD, who views entrepreneurship as essential to a thriving community.
“Business owners are the ones who provide the jobs, build the infrastructure, and support the local economy,” Powers said. “Without entrepreneurs and business leaders, the fabric of our community will erode.”
Powers said HV Business Link has become an invaluable network built on collaboration and mutual support.
“It’s been so rewarding,” he said. “HV Business Link is a tight-knit network. It’s a lot of recommendations, a lot of support. People show up for each other.”
He hopes scholarship recipients pursue their dreams with determination.
“Dream big and follow through,” Powers said. “Don’t believe the naysayers. It’s going to be a long path and a hard path, but it’s the right path.”
RELATED:
- From Storytelling to Strong Connections — Why Barbara Martinez Founded HV Business Link (Part I)
- ‘You’re Not Alone’ — How HV Business Link Builds Confidence, Visibility, and Community (Part II)
Giving back strengthens the community
Loretta Wolff, founder of NexLvl Real Estate and president of the NexLvl Foundation, believes the scholarship reflects both the spirit of entrepreneurship and the mission of HV Business Link.
“The hope is that this goes to someone who’s looking to be an entrepreneur and grow a business,” Wolff said. “Being a business owner is difficult, so it’s important to know you have that kind of support.”
She said giving back is one of the greatest responsibilities of local businesses.
“It takes a village,” Wolff said. “It’s really important for all of us to come together to show that we support these great causes.”
Looking ahead, Wolff expects the scholarship initiative to continue growing.
“This will definitely be an ongoing event,” she said. “It’s brought a lot of warmth to all of our hearts to be able to give so much locally.”
Building a stronger Hudson Valley together
Other HV Business Link members echoed the same commitment to supporting future generations. Several described the scholarship as an opportunity to inspire young entrepreneurs, strengthen the local economy, and encourage students to pursue their dreams while giving back to the communities that support them.
As the presentation concluded, one message united every speaker: when local businesses invest in local students, they are investing in the future of the Hudson Valley itself.
Scholarship Information: Incoming SUNY Orange students starting this fall can still apply for Foundation scholarships. The application deadline is July 19. For more information or to apply, visit www.sunyorangefoundation.org.
