New Scholarship Program At Bucks Announced By Fitzpatrick Foundation

NEWTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Community College Foundation (BCCCF), in partnership with the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Foundation, has announced the establishment of the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Scholars Scholarship Program.

A first of its kind, the program will be open to students who demonstrate a genuine interest in public service. Additionally, the program will connect students with financial resources and a success coach and will require recipients to attend public service-related events at the college.

The Scholars Scholar program has been created in memory of and honors the legacy of longtime Bucks County Commissioner and Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick, a dedicated and tireless public servant. Preference for the scholarships will be given to families of Veterans and First Responders.

"Michael's family and friends established the Michael G Fitzpatrick Foundation to honor his legacy of selfless public service. The Michael G Fitzpatrick Scholarship will benefit the neediest of students at Bucks County Community College. It is our hope that these scholars, during their time in school and after graduation, will establish and promote a county-wide 'peace corps' of selfless public service," said James Fitzpatrick, Michael's father.

The stipulations and guidelines are as follows:

• Students of Bucks County who need additional financial assistance to attend college.
• Students who commit to engagement with a college-appointed success coach.
• Students who will attend college event(s) related to public service, such as an annual panel discussion on public service named in Michael's honor.

Michael G. Fitzpatrick Scholars will also be encouraged to establish themselves as a member of the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Scholars Student Club, which will emphasize public service.

In support of the new program, the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Foundation will establish an ongoing partnership with the Bucks County Community College, advocating for scholarship recipients and providing programmatic support.

In addition, the Fitzpatrick Foundation has committed to making contributions to BCCF for at least three years with a minimum donation of $180,000, further establishing the fund while contributing towards the employment of a success coach.

"Along with Mike Fitzpatrick's beautiful family, his greatest legacy remains those who he inspired to provide lasting constructive work for their neighbors through public service," said Mark S. Schweiker, 44th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "Guided by Mike's deep sense of community, our foundation nurtures public and civic service in Bucks County through careful programmatic giving to organizations and individuals who demonstrate an enduring capacity to improve the lives of Bucks County citizens positively. Please join and support us in this important mission!"

Future Foundation donations will be focused on areas that were important to Mike: First responders, Veterans, and public service. The applications will be open starting February 1, and scholarship recipients will be selected over the summer of 2023 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Scholarship award amounts will vary and are based on financial need. Interested student applicants can visit https://www.bucks.edu/scholarships/michaelgfitzpatrickscholarsscholarship/ for more information.

“Bucks County Community College is honored to be the steward and home for the Michael G Fitzpatrick Scholars program," said Bucks County Community College President, Dr. Felicia L. Ganther. "The opportunity for the College to engage and develop future civic leaders for our County, is a true honor. We thank the family for entrusting Congressman Fitzpatrick’s legacy to us.”

Bucks County Community College Foundation’s mission is to advance the College as a community of excellence and act as a supporting partner in Bucks County Community College’s efforts to provide a quality education to all interested and active learners. The Foundation approaches local, regional, and national supporters to create partnerships and raise funds, assistance, and awareness in support of both new and existing educational opportunities. Learn more at: https://www.bucks.edu/discover/foundation/

Created by family and friends of the former Bucks County Congressman and County Commissioner, the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Foundation is a non-partisan charitable organization established to honor and preserve Michael’s legacy. The Foundation will hold a fundraising event at the Tyler Formal Gardens on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Learn more at: https://www.michaelgfitzpatrick.org/