Scholarship Programs

The Education Excellence Scholarship is our flagship undergraduate award, supporting Lancaster County high school seniors and current college students who demonstrate academic achievement, community engagement, and financial need. This scholarship was established in 1996 with an initial endowment gift from Harold and Ruth Landes and has grown through subsequent contributions from the Landes family and community donors.

Applicants must be residents of Lancaster County, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, and be pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at an accredited Pennsylvania institution. Fields of study in education, nursing, social work, public administration, and community development receive priority consideration, though all academic disciplines are eligible. Financial need is assessed using the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as a primary indicator.

Application Requirements

• Completed online application with personal statement (500–750 words)
• Official high school or college transcript
• FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
• One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader
• Documentation of community service or extracurricular leadership

Deadline: February 28, 2027 · Awards Announced: May 1, 2027

The Skilled Trades Advancement Award supports Lancaster County residents enrolled in accredited vocational programs, apprenticeships, or certification courses in high-demand trade fields. This award recognizes that post-secondary education encompasses pathways beyond traditional four-year degrees and that skilled tradespeople are essential to the county's economic vitality and built environment.

Eligible programs include electrical technology, plumbing and pipefitting, HVAC installation and repair, welding and fabrication, automotive technology, carpentry, masonry, and industrial maintenance. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited program at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, or an approved apprenticeship registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Awards cover tuition, certification examination fees, required tools and equipment, and program-specific materials. Since 2010, this program has supported 184 individuals in earning industry-recognized credentials, with 91% reporting increased earnings within the first year of certification. The average earnings increase among recipients is $8,400 annually.

Deadline: Rolling (reviewed quarterly) · Response Time: 45 days from submission

The Harold P. Landes Legacy Fellowship is the Foundation's most prestigious individual award, honoring our founder's lifelong commitment to community stewardship and civic leadership. This annual fellowship supports one Lancaster County resident pursuing graduate study or intensive professional development in community development, urban planning, public health, nonprofit management, or a related field that directly contributes to the well-being of Lancaster County communities.

Applicants must have been Lancaster County residents for a minimum of five consecutive years, hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and demonstrate a clear professional trajectory that will return benefits to the Lancaster County community. Preference is given to candidates who articulate a specific plan for applying their advanced training to local community challenges.

The selection committee includes the Foundation's Executive Director, two board members, the Dean of Community and Global Education at Franklin and Marshall College, and a rotating community leader. The fellowship includes a $12,000 stipend plus a guaranteed invitation to present research or project findings at the Foundation's Annual Community Forum.

Deadline: January 15, 2027 · Award Announced: March 15, 2027 at the Annual Community Forum

The Community Leadership Pipeline Stipend provides targeted support for Lancaster County high school juniors and seniors participating in structured leadership development, civic engagement, or community service programs. This award is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent talented young people from participating in summer leadership academies, service-learning programs, civic internships, and conference attendance.

Eligible programs include the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference, the Lancaster County Youth Council's Summer Civic Fellowship, Pennsylvania Governor's Schools, National Youth Leadership Forum, and locally organized service-learning intensives of 40 hours or more. Stipends cover program fees, transportation, lodging, and required materials.

Students must be enrolled in a Lancaster County high school, demonstrate active engagement in school or community organizations, and submit a brief essay (300–500 words) describing how the program will develop their capacity for community leadership. A teacher or program coordinator recommendation is also required.

Deadline: Open year-round (reviewed monthly) · Response Time: 21 days from submission