Members of the Carbon County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association have established a new scholarship through the Carbon County Community Foundation to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors in Carbon County who plan to attend Penn State University.

The Penn State Carbon County Scholarship Fund creates an opportunity for local Penn State alumni and supporters to invest in the next generation of Carbon County students while honoring the university they proudly attended.

By supporting students from their own community, alumni can carry their Penn State connection forward and make a difference in the lives of local students.

“We’re excited to create a scholarship that connects our Penn State alumni community with the students and families of Carbon County,” said Danadee Miller-Boyle, president of the Carbon County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association. “As alumni, we have a special connection to Penn State, and we wanted to find a way to carry that connection forward while giving back to the community we call home.

“We hope this scholarship will help local students pursue their Penn State education and know that their community is cheering them on.”

The $500 scholarship will support graduating high school seniors in the county who plan to attend Penn State University or any satellite campus. Applicants will be considered based on their commitment to community service and financial need. The alumni association is especially interested in supporting students who demonstrate a commitment to the values of Penn State University, including integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and community.

“Scholarships are one of the ways we can help local students pursue their educational goals while investing in the future of our community,” said Sharon Alexander, president and CEO of the Carbon County Community Foundation.

“We love seeing local people come together to create opportunities for their neighbors,” she said. “This scholarship is a great example of how a group of people with a shared connection can make a meaningful difference for students right here in Carbon County.”

The idea for the scholarship grew out of the Carbon County Chapter’s desire to create a lasting opportunity for local students attending Penn State. After exploring options for establishing a scholarship through Penn State University, the chapter connected with the Carbon County Community Foundation to establish the fund locally.

By establishing the fund in Carbon County, contributions remain local and directly support students from the community who are pursuing their education at Penn State.

The Penn State Carbon County Scholarship Fund joins nearly 20 scholarship opportunities hosted by the Carbon County Community Foundation for local students pursuing higher education.

“Scholarship funds offer a meaningful way for people to invest in local students and create a lasting impact,” Alexander said.

The foundation’s scholarship applications open to area high school seniors in January.

To learn more about the Penn State Carbon County Scholarship Fund, explore scholarship opportunities or make a donation, visit www.cccfoundpa.org/scholarships.