More Than 200 Local Students Receive Scholarships Through Centre Foundation

A total of 207 local students are starting their post-high school education with a combined $336,244 in scholarships administered through Centre Foundation.

Students receiving the scholarships, which are established by community members, come from all five Centre County school districts as well as neighboring districts and will be attending 47 post-secondary schools. Scholarships also support returning adult students.

“Our community members understand the value of education, whether that is at a two-year college, four-year university, or trade school,” said Molly Kunkel, executive director at Centre Foundation. “They have established more than 150 scholarship funds and have entrusted us to administer applications and awards to deserving students each year.”

One of the newest scholarships is the the Centre County Emergency Responders Fund, which was created earlier this year by the county commissioners to support educational opportunities for volunteer firefighters, fire police and EMS personnel.

James Pletcher, an Alpha Fire Company volunteer who is studying criminal justice at the South Hills School of Business and Technology, is the first recipient of the scholarship.

“Any monetary aid I receive helps me greatly, so I can spend more time focusing on studying and volunteering with Alpha,” Pletcher said. 

High school seniors interested in applying for scholarships through Centre Foundation can work with their school districts when applications open in the spring.

“Scholarship season is a very exciting time of the year,” said Lauren Petrone, administration and scholarship coordinator at Centre Foundation. “I enjoy learning about the stories and accomplishments of all these incredible students, and I’m honored to work with the school districts and fund holders to facilitate the annual scholarship process.”

For more information, visit www.centre-foundation.org or call (814) 237-6229.