General Scholarships

“Aastha” is a word of Indian origin meaning belief, faith, trust, and hope for a better tomorrow. The group of local Asian-Indian professionals who established the Aastha Horizons Scholarship did so in acknowledgement of the importance of educating young minds in the Indian community. Through this award, they hope to make educational success possible for others.

This scholarship awards $2,500 annually to a Lancaster County high school senior or graduate of any age. Preference will be given to applicants who are pursuing a two-year degree with special preference for those who are completing studies in the medical field. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

The Albert S. Rosman Scholarship was established by Albert Rosman, a businessman and resident of Lancaster for 55 years.

This scholarship awards $1,500 annually to a Conestoga Valley High School senior who is continuing their education in any field of study.

The Charles W. Shoff Scholarship was established by Charlie Shoff, a Martic Township-based farmer, well-drilling contractor and member of the Mineralogical Society of Pennsylvania, reflecting his deep interests in both agriculture and mineralogy.

This $1,000 renewable scholarship is available to students who plan on studying geology, medicine, agriculture, mechanical engineering, or mechanical drafting. Recipients may re-apply to receive the scholarship for up to three additional years. Changing majors may result in the loss of this scholarship.

The George W. McKibbin Scholarship was established by George McKibbin, a World War II veteran who believed in lifting up students who have historically faced systemic barriers to opportunity.

This $2,000 renewable scholarship is available to students who demonstrate academic excellence, dedication to serving the African American community, and a strong commitment to family. Recipients may re-apply to receive the scholarship for up to three additional years.

Applicants must answer the following essay question: “Describe your impact on and contribution to the African American community through your activities, leadership, and/or service.”

The Jack and Ginny Lykins Scholarship supports students who are pursuing full-time, post-secondary education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), computer science, or healthcare.

Recipients of this $3,000 renewable scholarship may re-apply to receive the scholarship for up to three additional years.

The James R. Buescher Memorial Scholarship celebrates the life of James Buescher, published novelist, playwright, author of a Las Vegas travel guide, and the winner of several newspaper writing awards as a correspondent for Lancaster Newspaper, Inc.

This scholarship awards $500 annually to a Lancaster County high school senior or graduate who is majoring in Theater, Anthropology, Creative Writing, Journalism, Marketing, Mass Communication, or Media Studies. Applicants’ participation in creative writing-related school and community activities will be considered.

The Jason M. Truitt Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Jason Truitt, a graduate of Ephrata High School and Penn State University who was deeply involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, first as a Little in 1985 and later as a mentor to youth.

This scholarship awards $400 annually to a Lancaster County high school senior or recent graduate who is or was a Big or Little with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central Pennsylvania.

For decades, Joseph and Claudine Hess farmed the 136-acre Hessdale Farm in Strasburg Township, which had been in the Hess family for 125 years at the time of Joseph’s passing in 1992.

The Joseph and Claudine Hess Scholarship Fund is available to Lancaster County high school seniors or graduates who are pursuing any field of study, with studies in the field of agriculture serving as a tiebreaker.

Recipients of this $2,000 renewable scholarship may re-apply to receive the scholarship for up to three additional years.

Since 1973, McKonly & Asbury have offered a full array of accounting, tax, and business advisory services with a focus on “Helping Others Thrive.”

With that aim in mind, the McKonly & Asbury Scholarship supports rising juniors, seniors, or 5th-year college students who are pursuing a degree in accounting or an equivalent field and have a desire for a career in public accounting. 

Each year, one recipient from each of the following universities will be selected to receive this one-time $10,000 scholarship: Commonwealth University- Bloomsburg, Messiah University, Millersville University, Penn State Harrisburg, and Shippensburg University. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Born in Berks County in 1849, Nathan Schaeffer shaped educational policy through his leadership roles in major educational institutions, prolific writing, and traveling lectures. His legacy was so profound that all Pennsylvania public schools closed for his funeral, and teachers established a scholarship fund in his honor that became the first grant awarded by the Lancaster County Community Foundation.

The Dr. Nathan C. Schaeffer Scholarship provides a one-time $750 scholarship to a student who is majoring or minoring in the field of education at Millersville University. Applicants may be either full- or part-time students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. 

The Richard Groff Scholarship is available to a Lancaster County high school senior who is pursuing a degree in HVAC or plumbing at Thaddeus Stevens College.

Recipients of this $2,500 renewable scholarship may re-apply to receive the scholarship for one additional year.

The Rick Frankhouser Scholarship was established in memory of Rick Frankhouser and his love of music and linguistics as universal forms of communication.

This scholarship supports a senior or graduate of McCaskey High School who is majoring in music or linguistics and has a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Recipients of this $1,000 renewable scholarship may re-apply to receive the scholarship for up to three additional years. Changing majors may result in the loss of this scholarship.

Note: The Frankhouser Scholarship will not have new awards for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Created in memory of Tina Bresnahan, the Tina Bresnahan College Scholarship continues her legacy of supporting educational success for students in need.

Each year, three one-year, full-tuition scholarships will be awarded to Lancaster County high school seniors or graduates who are attending or planning to attend Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology, Millersville University, or Harrisburg Area Community College-Lancaster. Additionally, three $1,000 honorary awards will be provided to students meeting the same criteria.

Applicants must be under 25 years of age and answer the following essay question: “What challenges or difficulties- including family, work, personal, social, physical, financial- will this scholarship help you overcome? How will receiving this scholarship help you achieve your educational and career goals?”