CCYP Awards Two $1,000 Career Connect Scholarships to McKenna Meagher and Tsvetelina Belardo
About McKenna Meagher
McKenna graduated from Barnstable High School in 2018 and went on to attend University of Massachusetts Amherst. At UMass, McKenna was able to combine her interest in health promotion and passion for nutrition education by pursuing a dual degree in public health and nutrition. In addition to her studies, McKenna served on the executive board for the UMass Amherst Student Alumni Association, volunteered at the Amherst Senior Center, was a student researcher in the Nutrition Assessment Lab, and worked as a resident assistant. She graduated with honors in 2022 and, since, has worked as a medical assistant at Harbor Community Health Center Hyannis and as an EMT for Coastal Medical Transportation Services. Since being back on the Cape, McKenna has also found great joy in volunteering for Cape Kid Meals. This fall, McKenna will be furthering her education through Northeastern University’s Physician Assistant program.
"The process of taking out graduate school loans is quite daunting and overwhelming. I am extremely grateful to be a scholarship recipient as it lightens the load of that burden. I have grown up on the Cape and am so appreciative of the kindness and generosity within the community. Thank you so much for supporting my journey!"
About Tsvetelina Belardo
Tsvetelina is originally from Bulgaria and has lived on the Cape for the past eight years. She obtained her associate in nursing from Cape Cod Community College
and is currently enrolled in UMass Boston to complete her bachelor's in nursing. She has been an R.N. at Cape Cod Healthcare for the past two years, and is currently in the intensive care unit. Tsvetelina aspires to continue her education in nursing with a graduate degree and continue to serve the community of Cape Cod.
"Thanks to the different scholarships I have received I will be able to complete my nursing degree without debt, and I am grateful, and humbled by the generosity of all the donors."
About the Scholarship
CCYP's Career Connect Scholarship, founded in partnership with the Cape Cod Foundation in 2012, increases career development opportunities for adults on Cape Cod and the Islands. Recipients can use the funds to return to school, train in a new profession, or to take professional development courses. There are no restrictions on the field of study for applicants; all Cape Codders seeking continuing educational opportunities are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are awarded based on community service, civic engagement, academic merit (if relevant), achievements, honors, awards and recognitions, work history, and a demonstrated commitment to professional growth.
Since 2012, the CCYP Career Connect Scholarship has awarded $101,168 in scholarship funding to 40 local recipients to return to school, train in a new profession, or to take a course to develop their professional life on Cape Cod. The annual application process is managed by The Cape Cod Foundation.
CCYP Scholarship Committee Chair Elizabeth Jenkins extends her thanks on behalf of the entire Committee to all of the applicants for this year’s award. CCYP would also like to thank Mary Beth Burwood of the Cape Cod Foundation for her support.
About CCYP
Cape Cod Young Professionals was founded in 2005 to connect, engage, and advance our regional workforce and aspiring leaders. CCYP facilitates programming and initiatives focused on leadership development, mentoring, and professional advancement. We convene the annual Shape Your Cape Summit and host year-round events designed to foster connection and community engagement.