March 29, 2024

Newton YMCA establishes college scholarship; applications due April 30

Applications for the new Newton YMCA college scholarship are now available.

The scholarship was recently established to help students seeking high education and to promote youth development, one of the Y’s three main focuses.

One senior graduating from NHS will be awarded a one-time $500 scholarship to attend a two- or four-year college or university of their choice. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate the four core values of the YMCA — caring, respect, responsibility and honesty.

“We are very excited to offer this scholarship to a graduating senior and to help promote life-long learning,” said Jessica Lowe, Newton YMCA membership director. “We hope this scholarship can take away the burden of the cost of books for a semester, help purchase a computer for school, or simply offer help in getting all the necessities a freshman needs.”

NHS seniors can apply for the scholarship by requesting an application from their guidance counselor. Students may also request an application form from Lowe via e-mail at jessica.lowe@newtonymca.org. Completed applications should be returned to NHS guidance department, mailed or dropped of at the Newton Y on April 30.

The YMCA will be raising money to ensure the scholarship continues for years to come and can be offered county-wide during the Granny Basketball Extravaganza. The exhibition game will feature the YMCA Globetrotters and the Granny Mustangs at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Berg Middle School gym. Admission is $3, and a pie auction will be conducted during halftime. All proceeds from the event will go toward the YMCA’s College Scholarship Fund.

“The scholarship is just another way we are working to improve the lives in our community,” Lowe said. “We realize how costly college is for students and we want to help as much as we can.”