Harcum College Scholarships Turn Financial Barriers into Life-Changing Opportunities for Their Students

This National Scholarship Month, Harcum College celebrates the donors whose generosity makes higher education possible. Through scholarships and financial aid, students overcome financial barriers, pursue their educational goals, and build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

BRYN MAWR, Pa., Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For many students, earning a college degree is a lifelong dream. But the financial realities of higher education can make that dream seem out of reach. At Harcum College, scholarships and financial aid help remove those barriers, allowing students to pursue their education, advance their careers, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. A Harcum education prepares students beyond the classroom to be ready for the real world.

The impact is significant. According to the most recent federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) report, reflecting students enrolled in Fall 2024 for the 2024–25 academic year:

• 88% of Harcum students received institutional grants or scholarships.
• 49% received state or local grant or scholarship aid.
• 58% received federal grant or scholarship aid.

In the current fiscal year to date, Harcum awarded 230 private scholarships to new and returning students, totaling $1.8M to both incoming and returning students. These numbers represent more than financial assistance. They represent opportunities made possible through the generosity of individuals, families, foundations, and organizations that believe in Harcum students. Learn more about the many scholarships, awards, and grants available to Harcum students.

One example is the Veterinary Scholarship Partners initiative. Spearheaded by Kathy Koar '99, director of Harcum's Veterinary Nursing Program, the initiative has distributed $358,000 in scholarship support over the past 11 years, helping students prepare for careers dedicated to animal health and well-being.

Harcum's partnerships with organizations such as the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), W.W. Smith Charitable Trust, Huston Foundation, and others demonstrate the lasting difference that community investment can make.

Scholarships Open Doors and Change Lives

For Lashey Rothmiller '27, receiving The Huston Foundation Scholarship came at a critical moment. Facing financial challenges that threatened her ability to continue taking classes, she found renewed motivation through the award.

"I was in a position where I couldn't afford classes, so when I got the scholarship, I was so excited and grateful for the opportunity," Rothmiller said. "That was a blessing and made me want to further my education with Harcum."

The scholarship, funded by The Huston Foundation, supports eligible Chester County students, with a preference for those attending Harcum's Coatesville Partnership Site. As she approaches graduation, Rothmiller hopes to build a career helping others with their mental health.

For Wanda Camacho '28, an Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) student and W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Scholarship recipient, education represents an opportunity to create a new path for herself and future generations.

A first-generation college student from a Puerto Rican family, Camacho transitioned from banking to healthcare after recognizing how language barriers can affect patients' access to care. She also works as a certified Pilates instructor to help finance her education.

"At Harcum I've learned discipline, time management, and most importantly to believe in my own abilities," Camacho said.

Andrea Brown '26, an Early Childhood Education student and PHMC Scholarship recipient, sees success as a commitment to perseverance and personal growth.

"Success means showing up when you're tired, continuing when you feel discouraged, and believing in yourself when you can't see the outcome," Brown shared. She adds, "Challenges can teach us valuable lessons, and our circumstances do not have to determine our future."

Their stories reflect the power of scholarship support: students who might otherwise have struggled to continue their education are gaining the confidence, skills, and opportunities to achieve their goals.

Generosity That Invests in the Future

PHMC's partnership with Harcum is one example of philanthropy addressing critical workforce needs. A major regional nonprofit focused on healthcare, education, and research, PHMC supports more than 100 programs. Its contributions to Harcum have exceeded $400,000, helping prepare students for meaningful careers, including in early childhood education, a field facing significant workforce challenges.

Harcum's annual Power of Possibilities Breakfast, held Friday, November 6, 2026, celebrated these important relationships. The event gives scholarship recipients the opportunity to meet and thank the donors, foundations, and organizations investing in their education.

It also gives donors a firsthand look at the difference their generosity makes. Guest speaker Denise Paganelli, Fiscal & Administrative Manager at PHMC reminded scholarship recipients:

"Your award is evidence of your dedication and commitment to your profession. I encourage you to continue to seek opportunities for growth, embrace lifelong learning, and use your talents to make a positive impact in your communities."

That encouragement captures the spirit of scholarship giving at Harcum. Every award represents a belief in a student's potential and an investment in the contributions they will make to their professions and communities.

The Harcum College community celebrates the generosity of its many scholarship donors every day through the transformational experiences of its students.

This National Scholarship Month, Harcum extends its gratitude to everyone who makes these opportunities possible. Their generosity does more than help students pay for college. It opens doors, changes trajectories, and empowers the next generation of professionals and community leaders.

Because when donors invest in Harcum students, they help make a Harcum education possible. It's an education that opens doors, prepares graduates for meaningful careers, and shapes their futures—that's Harcum Ready.

Invest in the future. Make a gift to the Harcum College scholarship fund.

About Harcum College: Founded in 1915 as the first college in Pennsylvania to grant associate degrees, Harcum College is a private, residential college located on Philadelphia's historic Main Line. A leader in career-focused education, Harcum provides students with outstanding preparation in 20+ in-demand programs including Dental Hygiene, Early Childhood Education, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Veterinary Nursing. With a commitment to experiential learning and personalized support, Harcum empowers students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Courses are offered on-site at Harcum's Bryn Mawr campus and at regional partnership sites, as well as online.

SOURCE HARCUM COLLEGE