Press Release

Contact:

Heidi Williamson, Director of Communications

heidiw@bccf.org

610.685.2223

Reading (February 5) – Berks County Community Foundation is seeking applicants for nine scholarship funds. To be considered, students must submit all required information to Berks County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 212, Reading, PA 19603-0212 by the application deadline. Complete details about these scholarship funds are available at www.bccf.org.

The Berks County Scholarship Tax Credit Fund
The Berks County Scholarship Tax Credit Fund accepts donations from businesses that in turn receive a special tax credit from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. East Penn Manufacturing, Quaker Maid Meats, Inc., Sovereign Bank, Unisys Corporation and Yuasa Battery have contributed to the fund, which awards scholarships to Berks County students who pay tuition to attend grades K-12 in public or private schools in Pennsylvania. Applications must be submitted between April 15 and (postmarked no later than) May 15.

Helen M. Clymer Scholarship Fund
An anonymous donor established this fund in memory of Helen M. Clymer to award scholarships to single mothers from Berks County who seek post-secondary education at a Berks County school. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Jim and Ruth B. Daley Family Fund
This scholarship supports Berks County residents who are continuing their education. The fund covers items such as living expenses, professional testing fees, books, childcare, transportation and other emergency needs. Scholarships are not made for tuition, room or board. Application deadline is April 1.

The Eppihimer Scholarship Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Eppihimer established this fund to award scholarships to high-school seniors from the City of Reading who will pursue vocational or technical training. Mr. Eppihimer is Reading’s current mayor. Application deadline is April 1.

The Howard Fox Memorial Law Scholarship Fund
This fund was established in memory of Howard Fox, who was a member of the Berks County Bar Association and an attorney in the public defenders office at the time of his accidental death. Scholarships are awarded to Berks County residents entering their second year of law school. Application deadline is April 1.

Jim Haldeman Berks County 4-H Scholarship Fund
This fund was named in memory of Jim Haldeman, who was a Berks County agricultural agent, a Bern Township supervisor and county extension director. Scholarships are awarded to high-school seniors who are members in good standing of a Berks County 4-H Club and who will pursue post-secondary education. Application deadline is April 1.

Hispanic Center Scholarship Fund
This fund provides scholarships to academically talented Latinos in Berks County who are pursuing post-secondary education. Proceeds from the Hispanic Center’s Annual Hispanic Scholarship Dinner are donated to this fund. Application deadline is April 1.

Community General Hospital Foundation June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship
The Community General Hospital Foundation established this fund with the guidance of the late civic leader June A. Roedel. The fund was transferred to the Community Foundation after her death and renamed in her honor. Scholarships are awarded to Berks County residents who plan to undertake or further careers in healthcare. Application deadline is April 1.

The Seidel Family Scholarship Fund
Francis F. Seidel, II, established this fund to honor his son, Francis F. “Fritz” Seidel, III, who was a Dickinson School of Law graduate who died in a fire in 1991 with his son. Scholarships are awarded to current or former Berks County residents who will attend The Dickinson School of Law. Application deadline is July 15.

In addition to the nine listed, the Community Foundation holds more than 60 scholarship and award funds, most of which are administered by individual school districts. To learn more about any of these scholarship programs or to download an application, please visit www.bccf.org or call 610.685.2223.

###

Berks County Community Foundation, established in 1994, is a nonprofit corporation that develops, manages and distributes funds to meet existing and emerging community needs. They administer funds of all sizes and for all purposes, from helping disabled children to building innovative renewable energy sources.

###