Nov. 22, 2023 (Ramsey, NJ) Eastwick College closed its 2023 scholarship awards period by announcing that an additional 17 scholarships had been awarded, bringing the total for the year to a record-breaking 40.
“More than 90 percent of our students work full or part time,” explained Eastwick College president and founder, Thomas M. Eastwick. “When the pandemic hit they lost their jobs and requests for scholarship help increased fivefold. In response, we made the program more robust and many wonderful local companies supported us through our new Founding Partners for Eastwick Elite Scholarships program.”
Arthur Horton, a student in the Plumbing Apprentice program at the HoHoKus School of Trade, was one of the recipients of a $2,000 scholarship courtesy of the PSEG Foundation, a Founding Partner of Eastwick Elite Scholarships. (The HoHoKus School of Trade is part of the Eastwick College family of schools.) Arthur lost both his parents when he was young and has encountered many obstacles. “It isn’t easy,” Arthur recalled. “For example, when I was applying to the HoHoKus School, governmental regulations made it difficult to qualify for financial aid because I am an orphan and not classified as independent.”
Other obstacles also surfaced when Arthur’s car broke down, “There was so much wrong with it, it was time to get rid of it,” he explained. Now he walks an hour each way to and from school. Yet, this hasn’t deterred him as he has a 3.2 GPA. “I get things done,” he added. Arthur is extremely grateful for the scholarship as he graduates in three months and is eager to pursue his Masters License in Plumbing.
“We provide scholarships, which help students like Arthur, because we need a talented pool of employees to continue the critical work in STEM fields that helps improve our quality of life and betters our communities,” said Maria A. Spina, Manager PSEG Foundation. “There are many exciting and non-traditional roles at places like energy companies that are critical to both sustainability and the success of our economy.”
In 2022, the first year of Eastwick Elite Scholarships, 26 scholarships were awarded. This year, 2023, 40 have been awarded. Prior to Covid, 16 scholarships were awarded in 2019; during Covid, four were awarded in 2020 and six in 2021.
The Founding Partners of Eastwick Elite Scholarships are Care One, Good Samaritan Hospital, Lakewood Bank, PNC Bank, PSEG Foundation, the Glicksman Family, and alumna Bonnie Welsch.
Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade offer programs that prepare students with the skills and knowledge for a meaningful career that meet the needs of employers and the community. Its four campuses – Ramsey, Hackensack, Nutley, and Paterson – offer training such as RN, LPN, Surgical Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Business, Electronics and Computer Technology, Funeral Services, Welding, Plumbing Apprentice, HVAC, Electrical Apprentice, Facilities Maintenance, and more. The scholarships are distributed through the Eastwick Foundation (501(c)(3)), the philanthropic arm of Eastwick College. Jeanne M. Patrican is the Executive Director.
The PSEG Foundation (501(c)(3)), the philanthropic arm of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), prioritizes investments in promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment. Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, PSEG is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future.
Contact: Jeanne M. Patrican
jpatrican@eastwick.edu
201-357-8260