Nonprofit Announces Michael G. Fitzpatrick Scholars Program To Help Those Aspiring To Public Service

The foundation named in honor of late Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick has teamed up with Bucks County Community College for a new scholarship program.

The Michael G. Fitzpatrick Foundation announced recently that it will supporting the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Scholars Scholarship Program that will benefit students with a sincere interest in public service.

Molly Fitzpatrick, the late congressman’s daughter who is involved in the foundation, said the program is unique in that it works to connect community college students with financial resources and a success coach. The scholars will also be required to take part in public service-related events.

“The program is great because it sets participants up with for success,” Molly Fitzpatrick said.

“This was a way to give other people opportunities and let them do something they may not have been able to do before. And it also doubles back and gives back to the community,” she said.

As part of a continuing partnership, the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Foundation will fund programming initiatives at Bucks County Community College and act as an advocate for scholarship recipients. The Fitzpatrick Foundation has also agreed to make donations to the Bucks County Community College Foundation for at least three years with a minimum gift of $180,000, helping to establish the fund and pay for the hiring of a success coach.

“It is our hope that these scholars, during their time in school and after graduation, will establish and promote a countywide ‘peace corps’ of selfless public service,” said James Fitzpatrick, the late public servant’s father. He added that the foundation was created to honor his son’s legacy of selfless public service.

The Michael G. Fitzpatrick Scholars Scholarship Program will begin taking applications beginning February 1, 2023.

The program will be governed by the following stipulations and guidelines:

• Students of Bucks County who need additional financial assistance to attend college
• Students who commit to engagement with a college-appointed success coach
• Students who will attend college event(s) related to public service, such as an annual panel discussion on public service named in Fitzpatrick’s honor

Scholars in the program will be urged to join the Michael G. Fitzpatrick Scholars Student Club, which will place an emphasis on public service.

Molly Fitzpatrick said the program was created after a discussion between the family while on vacation as a way to honor their late father.

The first group of scholars will be introduced at the foundation’s Garden Party on Sunday, June 4. Proceeds from the event will help benefit the foundation and the scholarship program.

“Along with Mike Fitzpatrick’s beautiful family, his greatest legacy remains those who he inspired to provide lasting constructive work for their neighbors through public service. Guided by Mike’s deep sense of community, our foundation nurtures public and civic service in Bucks County through careful programmatic giving to organizations and individuals who demonstrate an enduring capacity to improve the lives of Bucks County citizens positively,” said former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker, a supporter of the foundation and Bucks County resident.

The opportunity for the college to engage and develop future civic leaders for our county is a true honor. We thank the family for entrusting Congressman Fitzpatrick’s legacy to us,” said Bucks County Community College President Dr. Felicia Ganther.

The foundation has already supported the Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund, which helps families of fallen emergency responders, and families impacted by the war in Ukraine.

Molly Fitzpatrick said the foundation continues to seek out ways to help causes that were important to her father, including those helping veterans, emergency responders, and people looking to serve the public in other fields.

Scholarship applicants will be chosen in the coming months for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications open on February 1. The amount of each scholarship award varies and is determined by financial need.

Students who are interested in applying can learn more at https://www.bucks.edu/scholarships/michaelgfitzpatrickscholarsscholarship/.

The late congressman, a resident of Middletown Township’s Levittown section died in January 2020 after a battle with melanoma. He was 56 years old and had served as a former county commissioner and longtime advocate for the community college.

Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies

---

---