Students apply for BC3 scholarships as July 1 deadline nears
Students registered in associate degree, certificate or workplace certificate programs at Butler County Community College this fall can apply for one of 166 scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.
To view scholarships and complete one application, students can visit bc3.edu/scholarships until July 1, said Bobbi Jo Cornetti, the BC3 Education Foundation’s scholarship and development coordinator.
As of June 23, 328 students had applied for a scholarship, Cornetti said, adding recipients will be notified by Aug. 3.
BC3 Education Foundation scholarships in 2026-27 will range from $300 to $5,000 and average $500, Cornetti said.
The foundation distributed 164 financial awards to BC3 students from Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Erie, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties totaling $295,210 in 2025-26, Cornetti said.
The 125-year-old Italian Society of Butler County will perpetually support students pursuing criminology or registered nursing degrees at the community college.
The 400-member social club’s $15,500 gift to the BC3 Education Foundation establishes an endowment.
The Leanne Heaton scholarship was established through a legacy gift from her estate. She and her father, the late Robert R. Heaton, were longtime supporters of BC3.
The Musko scholarship is intended to support students in accounting or business programs. The Muskos said they established the scholarship in part to recognize former BC3 President Dr. Nick Neupauer for his friendship and outstanding contributions to the college and to the community.
The Cooper award is for students in healthcare programs. Cooper created the financial award in honor of his wife, whom he said dedicated her life to a career in nursing.
The American Legion Riders scholarship is given to an honorably discharged U.S. veteran. Members of the Legion Riders said they established their scholarship to recognize student-veterans for their dedication and patriotism to the United States.
The Project Pink award is given to a student who survived cancer or who has cared for another battling the disease. Melissa Philson, a breast cancer survivor, Greenville resident and BC3 professor, created the Project Pink award because, she said, she is deeply committed to helping others who have been affected by cancer to continue their education.
The BC3 Education Foundation was established in 1985 as a charitable organization that acquires and manages private funds for the benefit of BC3. The foundation administers scholarships created by businesses, college alumni and employees, fraternal and other nonprofit organizations, and private individuals. Its number of scholarships has increased 12% in the past five years.
Bill Foley is coordinator of news and media content at Butler County Community College.
