Bensalem Teacher Earns $1,000 Scholarship

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — A township teacher is the first-ever winner of the $1000 NextUp Transition Program Scholarship, school officials announced.

Bensalem High School teacher Chelsea Root won for her proposal involving the purchase and use of 24-hour pick-up lockers on the Bensalem High School campus.

This will allow Root and the OWLS Transition program team the ability to extend their student-led businesses to members of the Bensalem community, school officials said.

In a letter to Root, the NextUp Team wrote, “The OWLS Transition program stood out for its
innovativeness, creativity, and sustainability, and we are inspired by the meaningful ways your students are developing real-world skills. We were incredibly impressed by your student-run business and all it has to offer."

The NextUp Team also said the plan to expand access through secure 24-hour pickup lockers is a creative solution that not only addresses logistical barriers but also provides students with authentic practice in organization, customer service, and workplace communication.

"What a great way to bridge classroom learning and real-world vocational experience," the letter continued. "It’s a perfect example of the impact transition programs can have.”