Scholarship Targets Construction and Design Students

A challenge from an anonymous donor has led to the creation of a new scholarship to help students in Pennsylvania College of Technology's School of Construction and Design Technologies.

Dennis L. Correll, associate dean for institutional advancement and executive director of the Penn College Foundation, said the donor is challenging the more than 4,700 alumni of the Construction and Design programs at Penn College and its predecessor institutions, Williamsport Area Community College and Williamsport Technical Institute, to join in supporting current and future students at the College.

"It's a challenge that I'm sure can be met," Correll said. "If Construction and Design alumni donate a total of at least $10,500, we will receive a match of $10,500. That $21,000, or more, will be used to establish an endowed scholarship fund for the School of Construction and Design Technologies. It will serve as a perpetual source of scholarships for students in those programs."

Alumni contributions can also help Penn College obtain funds from corporations and foundations that award grants based on the rate of alumni participation, Correll added.

The School of Construction and Design Technologies Scholarship fund will make awards to students enrolled in that school with demonstrated financial need and academic quality. First preference will be given to students in the Residential Construction Technology and Management major, with second preference to be given to students in the Architectural Technology, Building Construction Technology, Masonry Construction Emphasis, Electrical Technology, HVAC Technology, and related majors.

This fall, the School of Construction and Design Technologies has a record enrollment of more than 900 students.

The scholarship will be available to defray the cost of tuition, fees, books and required supplies. Penn College students may apply for the scholarship through the College's Financial Aid Office; the director of financial aid will determine the final selection of the recipient.

Correll said the Office of Institutional Advancement has outlined a plan to include select retired and current faculty to coordinate the campaign. A letter will be mailed to alumni, and a follow-up phone campaign will commence in November.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the School of Construction and Design Technologies Scholarship fund may send donations to the Penn College Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA, 17701-5799. Please include a note directing the gift to the scholarship fund. Gifts also may be made online, using a credit card.