New Scholarship Established For Lower Bucks High School Graduates

NEWTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Community College, in partnership with the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Foundation, has announced a new scholarship to financially assist Lower Bucks County area high school graduates as they begin their college journey.

Philanthropists Gene and Marlene Epstein from Wrightstown presented a $100,000 check to the Bucks County Community College, reinforcing their commitment to expanding access to higher education for Lower Bucks County high school graduates.

The donation will provide 100 full-time, first-year students with need-based scholarships for education-related expenses. Eligible students from Bensalem, Bristol Borough, Bucks County Technical High School, Bishop Conwell-Egan, Harry S Truman, Morrisville, and Neshaminy high schools will receive support on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Figuring out how to pay for college should not be a barrier for a young person who wants to make a better life for themselves,” says Gene Epstein, a long-time supporter and advocate of Bucks County Community College. “We want every student in Bucks County to know that there is a path forward for them at Bucks County Community College, and this scholarship will help them get started today. Don’t think you can afford college? Well, now you can!”

“Generous donors are crucial partners in helping us make a Bucks County Community Education even more affordable,” said the college’s President and CEO Patrick M. Jones. “Like me, Gene and Marlene Epstein believe in the power of education to change lives, and we are honored that they recognize Bucks County Community College as a resource in the community that effect change for the better.”

For more information about the scholarships and how to apply, click here. Scholarship recipients will be notified of their awards before the start of the fall 2025 semester.

"With these uncertain times our family foundation feels it is urgently important to help those students, who without a scholarship, would not be able to further their education and improve their lives," said Gene Epstein. "There is such a financial disparity within this great country and it's upsetting to see incredible affluence when we have people struggling to put food on their table ... It is incumbent upon those in our community who can afford luxuries to consider extending a helping hand to change a young student's life for the better. It's something that must be done."

He added, "Within our county borders we are lucky to have the 'gem' in Bucks County Community College which is extremely affordable however as affordable as it may be many who are financially struggling will not be able to attain college without the help of people in our community. We have to educate those children whose parents are not able to afford their children's education. I hope that you can join us and extend a hand-up. Perhaps persons in our community will join us and offer 200 free scholarships to the most needy in Bucks County."