Non-Traditional Students Thrive with TFEC Aspire to Rise Scholarship

If you are 22 and over and prepared to continue your education despite the challenges of life, the Aspire to Rise Scholarship through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) can assist.

This TFEC scholarship rewards individuals who have faced challenges such as caregiving commitments, financial difficulties or other barriers that held them back from attending college, trade school or finishing a GED.

"Would you prefer that individuals realize it's never too late to continue your education," stated TFEC's Wendy Ellenberger, educational opportunity program officer. "If you have to obtain your GED, start a trade school or start a four-year degree, this scholarship can open doors you never thought possible." 

The Aspire to Rise Scholarship offers flexible paths through offering financing for many educational objectives, from readiness to sit for a GED to pursuing two-year or four-year degree courses. Incentives vary and are applied to cover tuition or other required fees, allowing the award winner to focus on course work. Timetables are kept flexible to accommodate students pursuing on a part-time or full-time schedule in order to allow them to fulfill work or family responsibilities and fit in school.

Particular care is given to individuals who have not received a post-secondary diploma, offering second chances to individuals willing to pursue new opportunities.

The scholarship supports non-traditional students aged at least 22 and who have been faced with circumstances such as homelessness, recovery from substance abuse, health issues, criminal justice involvement or military service. Candidates must live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon or Perry counties or Dillsburg (York County), which places them close to area colleges, trade schools and certificate programs. It also helps with related costs for GED applicants who are studying and ready to test or intend to test.

How to Apply

Visit tfec.org/scholarships/aspiretorise to view the requirements, gather the necessary documents and complete the application.

Submit your application, essay and supporting documents by Wednesday, Dec. 31.

"We are excited to offer this scholarship to individuals who have not had the easiest road," said Caitlin Cluck, TFEC director of community investment. "We believe that everyone deserves a chance to invest in their future and make a difference in our community."

TFEC oversees 195 scholarship funds and, in 2024 alone, awarded more than $2 million to nearly 500 students, making higher education more accessible to future learners throughout south central Pennsylvania. Offering opportunities across a wide range of academic endeavors, TFEC provides aid for diverse interests and backgrounds. To browse all available scholarships, visit tfec.org/scholarships.

Do you want to support the TFEC Aspire to Rise Scholarship Fund? You may give directly to this fund so that it can grow and continue to provide essential learning tools to students within our community. Donate at tfec.org or email questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..