Skip to content
New Scholarship Established for Lower Bucks County Area High School Graduates
On Friday, March 14, 2025, philanthropists Gene and Marlene Epstein presented a $100,000 check to Bucks County Community College, reinforcing their commitment to expanding access to higher education for Lower Bucks County high school graduates. This generous donation from the Gene & Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund will provide 100 full-time, first-year students with need-based scholarships for education-related expenses. Eligible students from Bensalem, Bristol Borough, Bucks County Technical High School, Bishop Conwell-Egan, Harry S. Truman, Morrisville, and Neshaminy high schools will receive support on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Figuring out how to pay for college should not be a barrier for a young person who wants to make a better life for themselves,” says Gene Epstein, a long-time supporter and advocate of Bucks County Community College. “We want every student in Bucks County to know that there is a path forward for them at Bucks County Community College, and this scholarship will help them get started today. Don’t think you can afford college? Well, now you can!”
“Generous donors are crucial partners in helping us make a Bucks County Community Education even more affordable,” said the College’s President & CEO Patrick M. Jones. “Like me, Gene and Marlene Epstein believe in the power of education to change lives, and we are honored that they recognize Bucks County Community College as a resource in the community that effect change for the better.”
Scholarship recipients will be notified of their awards before the start of the Fall 2025 semester. For more information about the scholarships, please visit the Gene and Marlene Epstein Scholarship page.
Photo caption: Gene Epstein presenting a $100,000 check to President & CEO Patrick M. Jones, on Friday, March 14 at BCCC’s Newtown Campus. The check will fund 100 student scholarships for the 2025-26 school year.
BCCC Hosts Free Criminal Expungement Clinic Sat., April 26 in Bristol
In an effort to help people overcome past mistakes that may block future success, Bucks County Community College is hosting a free Criminal Expungement Clinic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks.
Paralegal students, under the supervision of attorneys from Legal Aid of Southeast Pennsylvania, will help people determine if they are eligible to have certain prior arrests or convictions expunged or sealed from their record.
Greg Luce, Dean of the School of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies, said it’s the second year the College has hosted the free Criminal Expungement Clinic. After last year’s success at the Newtown Campus, the event is being offered at the College’s Bristol location this year.
“The Expungement Clinic is a powerful example of experiential learning,” noted Luce. “Our paralegal students are gaining invaluable practical experience while providing a potentially life-changing service to our community members. It's a win-win for both our students and the residents of Bucks County.”
The clinic is for individuals who:
have arrests without convictions; or
have misdemeanor convictions, without new convictions, over 10 years old; or
are over 70 years old, and their conviction is at least 10 years old; or
passed away at least 3 years ago, and a posthumous expungement is sought.
Some convictions cannot be expunged, but may be sealed so that they are not of public record. Individuals must have paid all due fines and completed any probation to qualify for expungement. The clinic may need to refer some individuals to other legal organizations due to the location of their criminal records, such as Philadelphia or outside of Pennsylvania.
All information shared with attorneys and paralegals is confidential. Paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
The Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks is located at 1304 Veterans Highway, Bristol, PA, 19007, where there is ample free parking. Advance registration is preferred and available online. The registration deadline is April 4. For more information, email legalstudies@bucks.edu or call 215-968-8227.
Civics Education: So, You Think You Know Your Government?
Distinguished Federal and State Judges and Practitioners Lead the 8-Week Noncredit Program Exploring Crucial Aspects of U.S. Government Bucks County Community College is excited to again offer the noncredit program, "Civics Education: So, You Think You Know Your Government?". This popular 8-week course offers participants a unique opportunity to learn about the U.S. Constitution, the court system, immigration, criminal and civil cases, and various other aspects of our government that every informed citizen should be familiar with.
Led by a rotation of distinguished federal and state judges and practitioners, the weekly classes promise an accessible, engaging, and interactive forum. Participants will delve into specialized fields of the court system, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the nation's legal framework.
The program will take place on Wednesday evenings, 6–7:15 p.m., from March 26 to May 14 at the College’s Newtown Campus (275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa.). Registration is limited to 100 participants, and the fee for the entire 8-week program is $50. Please note that financial aid cannot be used for this program.
To register and view the complete schedule and curriculum, please visit the Civics Education program. For more information, please email coned@bucks.edu or call 215-968-8409.
This course is made possible through the generous support of a grant from the Bucks County Bar Foundation.
BCCC Hosts "A Nakashima Morning" - A Celebration of Art, Literature, and Legacy
Bucks County Community College invites the community to a special event, A Nakashima Morning, taking place on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Orangery on the Newtown Campus. This engaging program, sponsored by the Volta Center for Writing Arts and Bucks County Community College Libraries, is designed for all ages, offering families and community members an opportunity to explore the artistry and philosophy of the renowned woodworker George Nakashima through storytelling, poetry, and hands-on activities.
The event will feature a reading of the children’s book Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker by its author, Holly Thompson. Attendees will have the unique chance to engage in a discussion with Thompson, followed by an interactive haiku and art-making session, allowing participants to creatively respond to Nakashima’s legacy and appreciation for nature.
Additionally, the event will feature a discussion with Mira Nakashima, daughter of George Nakashima and a distinguished designer in her own right. Mira will share insights into her father’s life, work, and the enduring influence of his craftsmanship in contemporary woodworking and design.
"A Nakashima Morning" is an excellent opportunity for families and individuals to immerse themselves in the intersection of art, literature, and nature, honoring one of Bucks County’s most celebrated artisans.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, email library@bucks.edu.
30th Annual High School Art Exhibition Opens March 19 at Hicks Art Gallery
The Hicks Art Center Gallery, which has showcased rising young artists for more than 60 years, invites the public to the 30th Annual High School Art Exhibition March 19 through April 12 at Bucks County Community College in Newtown.
Art teachers from more than 20 high schools have selected works crafted by their students between May 2024 and March 2025, to be considered for the U.S. Congressional Art Competition Prize. In addition, the works are also in the running for the 30th Annual High School Art Exhibition Awards, all totaling $1,500 in prize money.
“For these young artists, having their works exhibited in the College’s galleries gives them a taste of the professional art world while establishing a sense of collectiveness with their peers,” said Clifford Eberly, exhibitions associate at the Hicks Art Center Gallery. “We hope it inspires them to continue to pursue their creative passion, be it here at Bucks, or elsewhere.”
High school art contests are held in every congressional district each spring. The first-place winning artwork from the Bucks County exhibition will be sent to Washington, D.C., to represent Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District on display in the U.S. Capitol’s Cannon Tunnel for a year. Winners from each district are also published online.
More than 200 artworks in drawing, painting, photography, digital media, ceramics, fibers, sculpture, and furniture showcasing the young artists’ creative talents will fill the galleries and hallways of Hicks Art Center.
A reception and awards ceremony take place Sunday, March 30 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick will present the awards at 1 p.m. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.
The event is hosted by the College’s School of Arts and Communication, which offers eight associate degree transfer majors and two certificate programs. Bucks County Community College is an accredited institutional member of both the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the National Association of Schools of Music.
The Hicks Art Center Gallery is located on the campus at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa. 18940, where there is ample free parking. During the exhibition from March 19 – April 12, gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon – 4 p.m. Saturday. Follow @bcccartscomm on Instagram.
Victoria Cirillo of Council Rock High School North in Newtown won the Drawing Award for La Gente, a graphite and colored pencil drawing, at last year’s High School Art Exhibition.
BCCC Announces Second Annual 3D Printing Expo
Officials at Bucks County Community College (BCCC) announced the second annual 3D Printing Expo is set to take place March 12-13 in the Linksz Pavilion on the Newtown Campus. This exciting event will bring together local additive manufacturing (AM) industry experts, manufacturers, and enthusiasts to explore the rapidly advancing field of 3D printing and its applications across various sectors.
3D printing enthusiasts and industry professionals at the 2024 3D Printing Expo held at Bucks County Community College.
The 3D Printing Expo is designed to foster collaboration and awareness of AM technology in the tri-state area (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey), offering a unique platform for industry leaders, local companies, and individuals to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and build connections. The event will feature industry and enthusiast talks, trade show booths highlighting AM hardware, software, and services, and a design showcase where individuals and companies can display their projects.
3D printing enthusiasts and industry professionals at the 2024 3D Printing Expo held at Bucks County Community College.
“We’re excited to bring together local AM experts and enthusiasts to explore the ways in which this transformative technology is being used in industries across our region,” said Kyle Davidson of South Jersey Additive Manufacturing, an industry veteran helping to organize this year’s event. “The level of AM adoption and innovation within the tri-state area is rapidly advancing, and this event is a great opportunity to grow awareness and foster local partnerships.”
3D printing enthusiasts and industry professionals at the 2024 3D Printing Expo held at Bucks County Community College.
The expo will include two distinct presentation tracks—one for hobbyists and makers, and another for professionals in the additive manufacturing industry. Attendees will have the chance to engage with experts, learn from cutting-edge presentations, and network with local resources to help them along their journey of AM adoption.
Ticket Information:
General Admission: $10 per day
Students & Faculty: $5 per day
Children (under 12): Free
The 3D Printing Expo highlights BCCC’s commitment to bridge the gap between academia and industry. By offering a centralized space for individuals and companies to connect, the event provides a unique opportunity to learn about AM technology and explore how it can drive innovation and business growth.
The event will be held in BCCC’s Linksz Pavilion, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA. For more information on how to join or participate in the event, visit the 3D Printing Expo website or contact Director of Personal and Professional Development Stan Timek at stanley.timek@bucks.edu.
