Clarion University students awarded Applied Technology Scholarship

Isaac Coon of Franklin and Robert Christy of Pleasantville are the recipients of Clarion's Applied Technology Scholarship.

"I am enrolled in the nanotechnology concentration in the associate of applied technology degree," Coon said. "I'm already looking at continuing on in bachelor's and master's degree programs. I want to work in medical research someday."

Venango County established the scholarship fund as a permanent endowment to provide financial assistance to select students enrolled in the applied technology programs at Venango campus in Oil City, thereby supporting economic growth in Venango County by helping grow a technology trained workforce.

"As a student in the mechatronics concentration, I am looking forward to possibly working in the oil and gas industry to start," Christy said. "The job opportunities are great in a variety of areas with this course of study."

Trenton Moulin, executive director of Bridge Builders Community Foundations, said Bridge Builders is committed to making Venango County a better place to live, learn, work and play, and this scholarship is a tangible facet of that commitment.

"This scholarship will help two worthy students from Venango County in the applied technology program to further their education, better themselves and ready them for the workforce," Moulin said. "We are honored to be part of their journey to be successful students and citizens."

Tim Taylor, Clarion's applied technology program coordinator, said manufacturing is alive and well in northwestern Pennsylvania.

"We need to get the word out to high school students and adults looking for successful and rewarding careers right here in our backyard," Taylor said. "Our concentrations are aligned with the region's high priority jobs list. The training we provide not only prepares our students to find career positions quickly, but it also puts them in the driver's seat to fill supervisory and management positions within their organizations."

Eligibility requirements for the Applied Technology Scholarship include: residency in Venango County for at least two years prior to application, graduation from high school, pursuit of an associate or bachelor's degree in the applied technology program at Clarion University's Venango campus, and completion of at least six credits or two courses with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Additional details on the scholarship can be found on the Bridge Builders Community Foundations website.