News Release

Bucks Builds 'Bridge to Higher Education' for Graduating Seniors

• Scholarships available to help Lower Bucks students attend college without taking on massive student loans
• Donors wanted to help more students attain their academic goals

Graduating seniors from Lower Bucks County once again have the opportunity to apply for a full tuition scholarship at Bucks County Community College. The “Bridge to Higher Education” Scholarship program intends to ease the burden for students who don’t have the financial means to pursue a higher education degree. Ten $3,000 scholarships are available which will provide recipients with tuition for one academic year.

Last year, six students were chosen to receive this scholarship. And since more than three-quarters of BCCC graduates eventually reside in Bucks County and contribute to the local economy, McCafferty Auto Group and Delaware Valley Scrap Co. each sponsored one of the recipients.

This year, Gene Epstein, who founded the program through the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund, is again encouraging local businesses and community groups to sponsor a student. In addition, he will match contributions from the first 10 businesses that sponsor a $1,500 award.

“I established this scholarship to make sure that finances won’t keep these students from reaching their goals and realizing their potential,” he said. So far, Bucks County Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8), a BCCC alumnus, and G P Boyle & Associates, P.C,.  are each supporting a needy student.

“The rising cost of higher education is of deep concern to many families,” says Tobi Bruhn, Executive Director of the BCCC Foundation, which administers this award. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this award offers deserving students a chance to leave the college with minimal debt.”

This year, the BCCC Foundation is offering more than $125,000 in scholarships, Bruhn added.

The Bridge to Higher Education Scholarship benefits those graduating from a Lower Bucks County public high school or the Bucks County Technical High School, as well as GED graduates who reside in Lower Bucks County. To verify financial need for this scholarship, students may be asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A recipient must make satisfactory academic progress once enrolled to receive the second $1,500 installment of the scholarship.

For more information about this and other scholarship opportunities at BCCC or to request an application, visit the Foundation's website, call 215-968-8224, or e-mail scholarships@bucks.edu. Applications will be accepted until April 1.