Greater Pottstown Foundation Funds Free Spring Programs At ArtFusion 19464

Pottstown, PA – Applications are now being accepted for three free spring programs for kids and teens at ArtFusion 19464. These programs are generously sponsored by The Greater Pottstown Foundation. In Art Academy, students ages 8 to 12 will explore different mediums from drawing to recycled art. Clay Academy gives each 8 to 12 year old student the opportunity to create pottery using hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Older students ages 13 to 17 can participate in Teen Clay Studio. This programs gives each student the opportunity to design and create amazing self-directed projects in clay.

The application deadline for these programs is February 17, 2017. Applications can be downloaded at artfusion19464.org/classes/scholarshipsprograms/. Interested parents can also stop by 254 E. High St. to pick up a paper copy.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis. While ArtFusion 19464 encourages everyone who is interested to apply, those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who have not attended a free program at ArtFusion 19464 before will be given priority.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion 19464’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 am-5 pm and Saturday 10 am-3 pm. Classes do run outside of gallery hours.

MCCC’s Center For Workforce Development Offers Scholarships For Online, Non-Credit Microsoft Excel Analytics Course‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — Knowing how to use software such as Microsoft Excel Analytics is essential for today’s middle-skill occupations, such as store manager, retail supervisor and administrative assistant.

To assist people who need these vital software skills, Montgomery County Community College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) is offering scholarships for an online, non-credit Microsoft Excel Analytics course.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), CWD is able to offer these scholarships, which cover the entire course fee and provide access to the online learning tool, “SNAP,” for the first 28 participants who register. The scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Microsoft Excel Analytics course introduces the concept of data analytics and its applicability to organizations. Using the latest software, students will learn how to organize and interpret data, conduct analyses and develop visually appealing and informative reports. They also will learn to how to evaluate and apply data to enhance business performance. Overall, students will learn how to apply critical thinking skills and analytics for making data-based decisions, which will enhance their leadership performance in their respective or prospective careers.

While participants will not need to purchase any textbooks, they will need access to Microsoft Excel 2013 as well as the Internet. The self-paced course is held 100 percent online. Enrollment starts on May 1, and the course is active through June 30, 2016. Badges will be provided for mastery of competencies. The course also is aligned with the Microsoft Office Certification Excel exam.

For more information about the course or to register, contact:  Geraldine Rosetti at 215-461-1127 or grossett@mc3.edu or Marge Philippsen at 215-641-6374 or mphilipp@mc3.edu.

The scholarships for the Microsoft Excel Analytics course is one of the workforce training initiatives MCCC is able to offer to the community as a result of receiving a matching grant of $2,177,471 from MCEDC in 2015. This gift established an endowment supporting MCCC’s expertise in educating and training students for regional jobs and careers. Since it is a matching grant, donations have double the impact in funding vital workforce development initiatives.

The first distribution from matched funds is supporting four initiatives:  an Innovation and Sustainability Hub Learning Lab for Hydroponics and Aquaponics, Advanced Manufacturing training and support, Workforce Skills Modules in Information Technology and Manufacturing and a Software Developer Academy.

MCEDC’s grant started a new chapter in community college philanthropy and its matching gift challenge presents the community with the opportunity to invest in tomorrow’s workforce. To discuss funding opportunities or personal goals in making a gift in support of the match, contact the Foundation at 215-641-6529.

Applications Being Accepted For $10000 Arts Scholarship‏

Pottstown, PA – Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship for the Arts. This $10,000 scholarship is designed to financially assist a local high school senior from Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Owen J. Roberts or The Hill School in obtaining a degree from accredited academic institutions of higher learning for study in the arts. ArtFusion 19464 is proud to partner for the fifth year with the Foundation to present this scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded based on two criteria:  artistic performance as displayed at the Greater Pottstown Foundation Scholarship Art Exhibit at ArtFusion 19464, and an essay on why the applicant wants to continue their education in the arts.  The applicant’s intended field of study must include a major or a minor in an arts-related field.

Applications can be downloaded at the ArtFusion website (http://artfusion19464.org/classes/scholarshipsprograms/) or sent via email by contactinginfo@artfusion19464.org. A paper copy can be picked up at their 254 E. High St. location.  Applications and essays are due by February 29. The artwork for the mandatory art show at ArtFusion does not need to be completed until the May 14 drop off date.

ArtFusion 19464 is a 501(c)3 non-profit community art center located at 254 E. High St. in downtown Pottstown. The school offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages. The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists. The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am-3:00 pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

CADCOM Print And Technology Training Program

Greater Norristown Police Athletic League To Host Free Regional College Fair

Norristown, PA — College-bound students and their parents are invited to a Regional College Fair at the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League, 340 Harding Blvd., Norristown, on Thursday, Feb. 18. Visit http://www.greaternorristownpal.org/college-fair for a list of participating colleges and universities.

The public portion of the fair runs from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., during which high students in grades nine through 12 and their parents can talk with representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities about admissions, financial aid, scholarships and academic programs. This portion of the event is free and is open to the community.

Earlier in the day, Norristown eighth grade students will visit the fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to learn about the various institutions and programs as they begin to explore college opportunities. This portion is closed to the public.

The Regional College Fair is sponsored by Montgomery County Community College, the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC) and the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League.

For more information, Visit http://www.greaternorristownpal.org/college-fair or call MCCC Assistant Director of Admissions Carolyn White at 215-641-6561.

Wells Fargo Provides $20,000 Grant To Assist Students In Montgomery County Community College’s Mentoring Program

Photo: Wells Fargo recently presented a $20,000 grant to Montgomery County Community College to provide scholarships for students participating in the College’s Minority Student Mentoring Initiative. Back row, from left: Student Zachary Collier, Philadelphia; Tara A. Brady, Wells Fargo Assistant Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager; student Fernando Garcia, Pottstown; Edward Brown, MCCC Academic Advisor; and Dr. Steady Moono, Vice President of West Campus in Pottstown. Front row, from left: Dr. Karen A. Stout, College President; student Jacori McEachnie, Eagleville; student Diahann McIntyre, Norristown; Anthony Rosado, Wells Fargo Area President for Montgomery County; student Clifton Ford, Pottstown; and Wilson Gonzalez, Souderton. Photo by Sandi Yanisko.

Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa. –Wells Fargo recently presented a $20,000 grant to Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) to provide financial assistance for students participating in the College’s Minority Student Mentoring Initiative (MSMI) to enable them to complete their programs of study and graduate.

Wells Fargo’s generous grant will provide scholarships to 10 students who participate in the MSMI program, have a proven financial need and are committed to graduate. In 2014, MCCC received the national Leah Meyer Austin Award by Achieving the Dream for its outstanding work in supporting student success, including improving the persistence rates for minority students through MSMI.

“In keeping with our mission, this grant will help to ensure the completion and success for some of our most at-risk students, who face numerous challenges because of their circumstances and other factors,” said College President Dr. Karen A. Stout. “We greatly appreciate the longstanding community partnership with Wells Fargo.”

“Wells Fargo believes everyone should have access to quality educational opportunities,” said Anthony Rosado, Wells Fargo’s area president for Montgomery County.  “We are pleased to provide the support that helps these students achieve their educational goals.”

In 2009, MCCC first launched its Minority Male Mentoring Program to close the nationally documented achievement gap for African-American male students. The program connects participating students with caring mentors for guidance and support while providing opportunities for civic engagement, academic advisement, personal development and leadership development. Between 2009 and 2013, participants showed a term-to-term persistence rate of close to 80 percent—significantly higher than the 63 percent for non-participants.

In 2013, the initiative was expanded to include African-American and Latina female students and was renamed the Minority Student Mentoring Initiative (MSMI). Currently, MSMI provides one-one-one mentoring and access to wrap-around support services to more than 150 minority students enrolled at MCCC.

One participant, Jacori McEachnie, 18, Eagleville, says the program has opened new doors for him.

“The program is very helpful, especially meeting with my mentors and the tutoring,” said McEachnie, a Liberal Studies major. “Now, I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and I was just accepted into Bucknell’s Summer [2015 Residency] program.”

For the summer program, selected students enroll in two courses at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. Participating students then have the opportunity to apply to Bucknell in 2016, and if accepted, they will transfer to the university with junior status on full-tuition scholarships.

Additionally, MSMI assists students who are enrolled in MCCC’s Gateway to College program, which serves high school students who have dropped out of school or who are not track to graduate. Gateway students enroll in courses designed to help them achieve their high school diplomas while receiving college credits. Currently, 17 school districts and the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board partner with MCCC and refer students for the program. MCCC is one of only 42 colleges in the country and only the second college in Pennsylvania selected to participate in the Gateway to College National Network.

Muhlenberg College’s Camp Imagine Performing Arts Camp For Middle Schoolers Nurtures A Passion For The Arts

Logo of Muhlenberg College (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Allentown, PA — This summer, Muhlenberg College’s Camp Imagine program celebrates its 16th year of educating and enriching the lives of the Lehigh Valley’s middle school students. Founded in 1999 the program provides young people in grades 6-8 with a month-long performing arts experience, which is free for students of the Allentown School District.

The program runs June 30 through July 25, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“Camp Imagine provides invaluable opportunities to nurture a passion for the performing arts,” says the program’s education manager, Lindsay Quinn. “It also builds real-life interpersonal and expressive skills, which help students in all areas of their lives.”

Participants in 2013 said that the program helped them “to take risks and ask questions,” “to be confident and be loud,” and “to not be afraid to show my art.”

Camp Imagine will culminate in a free showcase performance for family and friends at the conclusion of the four weeks, on Saturday, July 26. Participants will be guided through creative arts experiences in the performing arts by talented teams of Muhlenberg College students and alumni. These teaching artists are experienced, professionally trained and supervised.

Camp Imagine students will explore their talents in acting, music, and dance in a safe and open environment, rotating through classes in drama, movement, and vocal expression. They will also get to work with Muhlenberg alumni and students to create a dynamic ensemble environment with their peers.

Camp Imagine meets 9:30 to 12:30 a.m, Monday through Friday, June 30 through July 25. There is no session on Friday, July 4. A lunch is provided for free to all participants, and free bus transportation is provided from all four Allentown School District middle schools. The camp is free for all students who attended Allentown School District middle schools in the 2013-2014 school year. For non-ASD students, tuition is $395; however, partial and full need-based scholarships are available.

Students must register to participate. Applications are available online at www.muhlenberg.edu/camp, and by request at camp@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3693. Students should enroll by June 1 to ensure availability.

The programs are made possible by underwriting support from Embassy Bank, Enterprise Car Rentals, Highmark Blue Cross, Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union, The Foundation for Allentown City Schools, and individual donors.

‘Diversity’ Essays Wins Pottstown Quarterback $30K Foundation Scholarship

Location of Pottstown in Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

POTTSTOWN — The Greater Pottstown Foundation has awarded a $30,000 scholarship to a graduating Pottstown High School senior as the result of an essay he wrote about the impact of growing up and going to school in Pottstown and what it taught him about diversity.

The Shandy Hill Scholarship, named after the founding editor and publisher of The Mercury, was awarded to Sage Reinhart.

Paul Prince, chairman of the foundation, called Reinhart’s essay “intriguing” in the letter he sent to Pottstown High School Principal Stephen Rodriguez announcing the award.

Reinhart “perceptively comes to understand that quality is not inherently fair and skill and talent do not necessarily result in advancement,” Prince wrote,

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130729/NEWS01/130729439/-diversity-essays-wins-reinhart-30k-foundation-scholarship

Pottstown High School Grad Competing To Be Miss Pennsylvania

If Pottstown High School and Ursinus College alum Samantha Marcheskie has her way, we may soon be addressing her as “Miss Pennsylvania.”

If things go very well, she might even carry the title of “Miss USA” or “Miss Universe.”

“That is my goal,” said the 2007 PHS graduate during a recent interview.

This is only Marcheskie’s third pageant, having given it a try when she was 13 and again in 2004 when she competed for Miss Teen USA.

Read more: http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20121019/NEWS01/121019264/phs-grad-competing-to-be-miss-pennsylvania-&pager=full_story

Blogger Announces Scholarship For Pottstown Entrepreneurs

December 15, 2009                                       Sue Repko, Positively!Pottstown blogger

                                                                             (609) 658-9043

Positively!Pottstown, a community blog dedicated to promoting Pottstown, is offering two $100 scholarships for an upcoming Small Business Workshop Series taught by members of Pottstown SCORE. Positively Pottstown scholarships are available to anyone who is already running a business in Pottstown or who is planning to open a business in Pottstown.

“I wanted to offer something specific to the small business entrepreneur who is trying to make it in Pottstown,” said Sue Repko, founder of the community blog that promotes Pottstown. “I guess it’s a holiday gift to a couple of deserving business owners to start 2011 off on the right foot.”

SCORE is the Service Corps of Retired Executives, a nonprofit association sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Association. Course instructors are experienced practitioners who teach practical, real-life skills and strategies for those interested in starting a business or learning how to run their business better. By attending a SCORE workshop, entrepreneurs will also be introduced to a network of supportive professionals who want to see you succeed. “The folks at SCORE have been great to work with. They’re such a valuable resource, and they’re right in town,” added Repko.

The next workshop series will be held on January 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2011. Registration begins at 6:45 pm for all workshops, which then run from 7-9:30 pm. The course includes a manual on preparing a business plan.

January 10 – Sources of Information, and the Tax and Legal Implications of the Different Legal Structures

January 17 – The Business Plan and The Business Loan

January 24 – Sources of Market Information and Marketing

January 31 – It’s All About Profit 

For more detail, visit SCORE’s website at www.pottstownscore.org.

Please note: The January workshops will be held at the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce Conference Center, 152 E. High Street, Suite 360, Pottstown, PA 19464

To be considered for a scholarship, please fill out the application below or visit www.PositivelyPtown.com. Applicants must also write a few paragraphs about their current business or business plans, and include some information about their past business/work experience. They do not need to submit a résumé.

POSITIVELY!POTTSTOWN

SCORE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

January 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2011

Positively!Pottstown $100 scholarships for SCORE workshops are available to anyone who is running a business in Pottstown or planning to open a business in Pottstown.

Please type or print clearly:

Name:___________________________      Phone:_____________________

Address:__________________________    Mobile: ____________________

City:_____________________________  E-mail: _____________________

State: ________________ Zip:________    Website: ____________________

Business Name:____________________    Phone:______________________

Address:__________________________   Mobile: _____________________

City:_____________________________  E-mail: _____________________

State: ________________ Zip:_______      Website: ____________________

The following information must accompany the application:

□ Write 2-3 paragraphs about your current business or your business plans; include some information about your past business/work experience. You do NOT need to submit a résumé.

□ Is your business or proposed business located in the Borough of Pottstown?  Circle one: Yes   No

□ Would you be willing to be quoted in future press releases about SCORE workshops or the Positively!Pottstown scholarship?  Please note: This is NOT required to receive the  scholarship.  Circle one: Yes   No

□ I certify that the information provided in this application is true & complete.

Signature________________________  Date ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­________________________ 

Send to:

Positively Pottstown Blog

P.O. Box 1509

Pottstown, PA 19464

Or  

PositivelyPottstown@gmail.com

Must be postmarked or received via e-mail by: December 28, 2010

(Scholarships are non-transferable. Recipients will receive a certificate good for the January 2011 Small Business Workshop Series, including manual.)

Today’s Pottstown Mercury Readers View

I was pleased to see a nice thank you letter in the Mercury today.  Courtney Sell was the recipient of a college scholarship from the now defunct Century Club of Pottstown.  It is gratifying to see young people who were taught to say please and thank you.  Courtney’s letter showed true appreciation.

The loss of service organizations are devastating to the communities they served.  Four less college scholarships will be awarded next year because the Century Club is now only a memory.   The loss of these scholarships could mean four less Pottstown students attend college next year or place a further burden on the student and their family to find other financial aid.

😦