James F. Swift Scholarship

The James F. Swift Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors from Lackawanna County high schools who plan to continue their education in a college or university program. This $6,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three years (for a total of $24,000), is offered each year for full-time study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university of the student's choice. Twenty students will be selected annually for this award. This scholarship award is renewable for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. To renew the scholarship, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.0 while enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund provides support for higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift's death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund, which has allowed a great number of students from Lackawanna County the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education. The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $5.5 million since 2008, benefitting 360 local students. Selection is based on strong character (60%), financial circumstances (30%), and academic achievement (10%). Preference is given to students attending Lackawanna County schools including Keystone College, Marywood University, University of Scranton, Johnson College, Lackawanna College, and Pennsylvania State University – Scranton.