Scholarship Opportunities

Lion’s Pride Scholarship for First-Time College Students
The scholarship is available to freshman students who are attending college for the first time. To be eligible you must be a full-time student (12 credits or more), have a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher, and complete the FASFA or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

Cento Amici Scholarship
Founded in 1989, Cento Amici (100 Friends) is a community-based, member organization dedicated to providing need-based scholarship assistance to qualified students in New Jersey. Cento Amici’s mission is to enhance the educational opportunities for those who need it most and who are most under-served by existing need-based programs.  An award will be made to an eligible RVCC student, subject to the following conditions:  Applicant must have financial need, Applicant must have a GPA of 2.75 or better, Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours

Raymond H. Bateman Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Friends of Raymond H. Bateman, who served on the RVCC Board of Trustees, for more than 40 years. The scholarship is reserved solely for students, who reside in Somerville, NJ, and who graduated from Somerville High School. Candidates must complete an essay of at least 250 words, explaining why they enrolled at RVCC, what area of study they are pursuing, what their long-term goals are, and why the scholarship will make a difference.  They also must demonstrate a commitment to the ethics, fairness, and integrity, and service to the community through a description of volunteer activities.  Financial need will be considered, but is not a required criteria.

Zach Bunsa Memorial Scholarship
The Zach Bunsa Memorial Scholarship will be made to a full-time RVCC student with a 3.0 GPA out of high school, or a 2.75 GPA at RVCC, who is enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, or 9 hours if working 20 or more hours per week.  An active member of Cru or another Christian Youth Group is preferred.

Anthony & Cynthia Caruso Scholarship
From this gift, an annual award will be made to an eligible Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) student.  The recipient demonstrates financial need and academic merit, and earns and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or better as an RVCC student.

Sophie Sadowsky Chmil Memorial Scholarship
The recipient of this scholarship must be a female student, 45 years old and above, who is seeking to acquire new skills and increase her ability to enter the workforce for the first time or to find employment in a second career and succeed in today’s competitive economic market. The recipient is pursuing a degree or certificate in accounting, business administration, financial services, CPA preparation, paralegal studies, and international business. The recipient demonstrates financial need and/or academic merit, and earns and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or better as a full-time RVCC student. Essay required.

1 Corinthians 16:14 Scholarship
The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, and textbook expense up to $7,200 for one student.  The student must be full-time (12 credits) with at least a 2.75 GPA.  Geographic considerations, though not a requirement, will be given to students who reside in Hunterdon or Somerset Counties.

Frank Denny Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mitchell J. Dinnerstein and Dr. Julie Blackman in memory of their uncle, this scholarship provides support for students who demonstrate dire financial need. Recipients must earn and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or better as an RVCC student.  

Karolee Dousa Glassman Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students who are single parents with custody of children, and who demonstrate financial need and the determination to earn an associate’s degree or certificate.

Dudash Estate Hearing Impaired
This scholarship is awarded to students who are hearing-impaired. Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.  

Joanna and John Dzitko Scholarship
Established by Joan and Peter Svoboda to honor Joan’s parents for their commitment to education, this scholarship will be awarded to a student who  demonstrates financial need and/or academic merit, and earns and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or better as an RVCC student.  

Education Foundation of Bridgewater Raritan Scholarship
An award will be made to an eligible incoming RVCC student from Bridgewater Raritan High School.  Student candidates must be entering RVCC in their first year.  Somerset or Hunterdon County residence is not a requirement, but applicant must be a graduate of Bridgewater Raritan High School.  Student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours (unless employed 20 or more hours per week).

Phebe and John Falcone Scholarship
The gap between high school and enrollment at Raritan Valley Community College should be a minimum of three (3) years.  Recipients are committed to enrolling in a minimum of six (6) credits per semester, demonstrate financial need and/or academic merit, and earn and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or better as an RVCC student.  

Evelyn S. Field Scholarship
The Evelyn S. Field Scholarship at RVCC honors a distinguished educator, women's and civil rights activist and founding member of the Raritan Valley Community College Board of Trustees. The scholarship is available to African American matriculating high school graduates who attend RVCC as a freshman. Students must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or greater. Preference will be given to students who reside in Somerset or Hunterdon Counties.

Friends of RVCC Scholarship
This scholarship is available to all students: US citizens, international students, or undocumented students (who do not qualify for financial aid); US citizens do need to be financial aid eligible.  Recipients must be enrolled in and plan to complete an Associate’s degree (can be either traditional academic program or a Workforce Training program.

Scholarship for Fundamental Fairness Honoring the Life of John J. Grossi, Jr.
From this gift, a “first dollar” scholarship award will be made to an eligible RVCC student totaling $4,500 annually ($2,250 per semester) to cover tuition, fees and textbook expense.  Candidates can be 1st or 2nd year students.  Fair distribution to underrepresented minority students of any and all genders.

Dr. Catherine Hebson McVicker Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Dr. Catherine Hebson McVicker, who served on the RVCC Board of Trustees for 30 years. In keeping with her tireless advocacy for all students this scholarship is open to all applicants and is intended to help propel recipients to the achievement of their fullest academic and ultimately career potential. This scholarship is need based and merit sustained, recipients are eligible for successive awards provided they maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. An essay detailing the applicant’s intended field of study with discussion of higher academic, workplace or career goals is required.

Leo and Ann Lieberman Scholarship
The Leo and Ann Lieberman Scholarship shall be reserved solely for students who reside in Somerville, New Jersey and who graduated from Somerville High School, and who persevered and succeeded in spite of financial, emotional, medical, or personal adversity. Preference will be given to students who have expressed interest in pursuing a career in education, including a focus on STEM education. Somerville High School students can apply through the Guidance Office.

Robert Sydney Needham Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to RVCC students who graduated from a high school in New Jersey and have completed at least 24 credits at RVCC, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.  The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to community service by participation in the RVCC Service Learning Program or as a volunteer in the community.  The student also needs to be a campus leader, demonstrated through participation in SGA and/or other clubs and student activities.

Raritan Promise Scholarship
To address the need for college affordability, to strengthen RVCC’s unwavering commitment to remain the “College of Opportunity,” and to celebrate Raritan Valley Community College’s 50th Anniversary, the College has established the Raritan Promise Scholarship fund. This special scholarship provides significant support for eligible students on the path to earn an associate’s degree, a certificate, and/or credits that transfer to a four-year university.

Joel F. Reyes-Guzman Scholarship
The Joel F. Reyes-Guzman Scholarship will be made to one (1) or two (2) eligible RVCC student(s). Candidates must have earned a 3.0 GPA at Bound Brook High School and must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours during the Fall and Spring semesters; with a minimum of 6 credit hours during the Summer Session.

Paul Robeson Scholarship
The Paul Robeson Scholarship at RVCC honors a Somerville High grad and global icon, scholar, athlete, concert artist, and stage and film actor who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political and civil rights activism. The scholarship is available to African American matriculating high school graduates who attend RVCC as a freshman. Students must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or greater. Preference will be given to students who reside in Somerset or Hunterdon Counties.

Kevin Rosero Memorial Scholarship
The Kevin Rosero Memorial Scholarship will be made to a full-time, second year RVCC student with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Student applicants must have demonstrable student leadership skills and examples of civic or community service.

Frank S. and Patricia F. Russo Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship provides four full scholarships (up to $6,000 per student) to cover tuition and fees.  Two female and two male recipients will be chosen.  Students are required to maintain a 2.75 GPA (at completion of each semester) to retain the full scholarship.  Students who reside in Hunterdon or Somerset Counties are preferred, but geography is not a requirement. Candidates from middle-class/working class families with financial need and some economic challenges, who exhibit a strong work ethic are particularly encouraged to apply. Students who may have struggled in high school (with a lower entering GPA) will not be excluded from consideration.

Second Career Scholarships
The Second Career Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to offer a second chance to individuals seeking to acquire new skills and increase their ability to find employment in a second career and succeed in today’s competitive economic market.  Applicants for the Second Career Scholarship must be residents of Somerset County and U.S. citizens (or green card holders), high school graduates of an accredited secondary school, and enrolled in a certificate program, and have satisfactory ability to read and write English. Students also need to demonstrate financial need.

Somerset Hills AAUW Scholarship
Created in 1998 by the Somerset Hills Chapter of the American Association of University Women, this scholarship supports mature women who are returning to school to pursue a career or obtain a degree. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be residents of Somerset or Hunterdon counties.  

The Somerville Fire Department Fire Police Scholarship
This scholarship recipient must be a graduate of Somerville High School and demonstrate financial need and/or academic merit. The student must earn and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or better as an RVCC student.  

The Tom Tarnowski Scholarship Fund
Established in 2006 by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to honor Mr. Tarnowski’s service to that organization and to the community, this scholarship is available to residents of Somerset County. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (or green card holders), recent graduates of an accredited secondary school, and enrolled in a degree or certificate program.  Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need.  The scholarship provides support for two semesters up to $2,500 annually and may be used for tuition, fees and books.  Selection is made by application, including an essay and committee review.  

Wellbrock Family Scholarship
Students demonstrating financial need and academic merit are eligible for this scholarship. Recipients must have a GPA of 3.0 or better. 

Area VII Physicians Scholarship
In an effort to support nursing education and further either medical education or healthcare quality, this scholarship is awarded to RVCC nursing students in their second year of clinical courses and are residents of Hunterdon or Somerset counties.

Virginia Butkosky Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available for students enrolled in the nursing program.  

Emerging Heroes Nursing Scholarship
The Emerging Heroes Nursing Scholarship will be made to an eligible RVCC student who is majoring in Nursing or Nursing-PNAD. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Shirley Gilbert Nursing Scholarship
RVCC alumna Shirley Gilbert established this scholarship to support female or male nursing students enrolled in clinical nursing courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants must submit, along with the application, a one-page essay describing their interest in nursing and what they hope to do with their degree. 

Janssen Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and is awarded, based on available funds, to students majoring in nursing.  The recipient should demonstrate financial need and earn and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or better.

Melanie Marie Piwoski Scholarship in Nursing at RVCC
The annual scholarship will cover tuition, fee, textbook expense or related college lift expenses up to $2,500 (awarded to the selected student in 2 installments of $1,250 at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters).  This gift is a "first dollar" scholarship award to an eligible RVCC student. Must have a financial need. Must be a nursing student (1st or 2nd year); 3.0 GPA or higher (and maintain a 3.0 GPA for each semester) This is a year-long commitment; Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and can be less if a student is also working 20 hours (or more a week); for 2nd year nursing students, a minimum of 8 hours (the full time load) is required; Applicants must complete an essay; Geographic considerations:  available to all students with preference for students from Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation Nursing Scholarship
This very generous scholarship supports students majoring in Nursing who are enrolled in their 2nd year of clinicals; students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and maintain (at completion of each semester) to retain the scholarship; Must also demonstrate some financial need, as determined by completed FAFSA, and be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours.

Fabienne Stassen Nursing Scholarship
The Fabienne Stassen Nursing Scholarship was established by the family of a young graduate of RVCC’s nursing program, who died suddenly in 2006. Scholarships are awarded to nursing students who demonstrate an attitude of caring and empathy and a commitment to helping others and making a difference in the health and welfare of individuals and the community.   Students must have financial need and be entering the second year of clinicals. As part of the scholarship application, students need to write a brief essay (no more than a page) describing how they meet the guidelines and how this scholarship will benefit the students as well as the community. Applications are due to the financial aid office by July 1st.  

RWJUH-Somerset Nursing Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to RVCC students enrolled in the nursing program, and shall be used for tuition, fees and educational supplies.

Siham Alfred Math Excellence Award
Established by Dr. Siham Alfred, a long-time math professor at Raritan Valley Community College, who retired in 2014, the Siham Alfred Math Excellence Award is awarded to the student selected by RVCC’s Mathematics Department to earn the annual Academic Excellence Award in Mathematics. The annual Siham Alfred Math Excellence Award will be presented to the recipient at the annual Student Academic Awards Dinner.  

Vincent Bodino Math Achievement Award
Established by Angela Bodino, this award is given annually to a hardworking student, who demonstrates significant improvement in his math studies.

Carlyle C. Caldwell STEM Scholarship
Two students will be awarded, Student must major in STEM Fields (Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, etc.) must have financial need must have a minimum of 6 credit hours (12 hours) and G.P.A of 3.0 or higher.

Gibson Family Scholarship
Students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math, who demonstrate financial need and academic merit may apply for this scholarship.  Recipients must earn and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better, as a full or part-time RVCC student.  

Sanford and Karolee Glassman Scholarship
This scholarship is available for students who are majoring in engineering and demonstrate financial need and academic merit.  

Bernard Lindemann Science Scholarship
This scholarship was created by Professor Ellen Lindemann and the Lindemann family in 2002 to celebrate the 70th birthday of RVCC Board of Trustee member A. Bernard Lindemann. The scholarship is awarded to a Galileo Scholar majoring in science or engineering, who demonstrates financial need.  

Nancy K. Maulding Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an RVCC student who demonstrates financial need and/or academic merit, and earns and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or better as an RVCC student.  The recipient must be a STEM major, with a major or minor in math.  

Ann and Susan Primmer Scholarship
The recipient of this scholarship is a resident of Hillsborough, Bound Brook or Manville, NJ.  The student is majoring in science, engineering, allied health programs, or nursing.  The candidate must write a brief essay describing personal goals for the future and the impact the scholarship support will have on his/her life.   The recipient demonstrates financial need, and earns and maintains a GPA of 2.75 or better.

RVCC Galileo Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to RVCC students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math, and computer science. It is jointly funded by individual and corporate donations, including donations from NCS Technologies and others. This scholarship is awarded to a Galileo Scholar, regardless of unmet financial need.  

Sanofi Galileo Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to RVCC students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math, and computer science. This scholarship is awarded to a Galileo Scholar, regardless of unmet financial need.

My Brother's Keeper Black Male Community Service Scholarship
From this gift, an award will be made to an eligible RVCC student who is male and identifies as African American or Black.  The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.50 and meet ONE of the following: a. has shown an interest in or is engaged in service learning work (civic engagement work/volunteer work) as a mentor within either a school or the community OR b. will be taking or has taken an education course.

Patricia Critelli Scholarship Fund
The recipient must be a resident of Hunterdon or Somerset County and be earning an associate’s degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies. A one-page essay is required, detailing the applicant’s commitment to community/college service and the legal profession and why the scholarship will make a meaningful difference. The recipient must demonstrate financial need and/or academic merit, and earn and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better as an RVCC student.

ESL Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Lorena Molineux, a former ESL tutor at RVCC, to assist students studying ESL as a pre-requisite for their degree program.  

Wayne J. Forrest, Esq. Criminal Justice Scholarship
Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a Criminal Justice degree or certificate program and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.  Students must include a one-page letter to Mr. Forrest addressing what has led to their interest in Criminal Justice, and mention career aspirations and any special family circumstances.  

The Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is dedicated solely to RVCC students enrolled in the College’s Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program and taking courses to prepare them for jobs as machine operators, manual machinists, and CNC production technicians.

Jake Irwin Honors College Scholarship
From this gift, an award will be made to eligible RVCC students enrolled in the Honors College.  The applicant must be a full-time RVCC student with a minimum 3.0 GPA.  Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours.  Preference will be given to a student struggling with depression, anxiety, a co-occurring disorder and/or who bowled on their high school bowling team.

Christopher Brand Koep Award
The Chris Brand Koep Award will be awarded to up to two deserving RVCC Arts & Design majors each year to help defray the costs of their education. The award is named in memory of Christopher Brand Koep, painter and beloved RVCC Art Professor, who died suddenly in the summer of 2018.

Lakeland Bank Scholarship
From this gift, an award will be made to an eligible full-time RVCC student with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.  This scholarship is open to a first or second year RVCC student enrolled in a Business Degree program.

Neuwiesinger Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship will provide support for students who are legal residents of the State of New Jersey; enrolled full-time at Raritan Valley Community College; and plan to pursue a career in medical research and/or life sciences. Candidates must apply for financial aid and demonstrate financial need. The recipients must earn and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or better for each semester enrolled. They must also maintain a course-load of a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

Open Your Eyes Scholarship
This scholarship is open to high school seniors who show an interest in eyecare and the optical industry or current RVCC Ophthalmic Science majors.  Preference is given to African American, Hispanic, Asian American, or Native American students.

Pay It Forward
The scholarship recipient shall be a resident of Hunterdon County or Somerset County. The annual scholarship amount to be awarded shall be $1,000, with $500 per recipient (or if one recipient, $1,000 to the selected student). The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees associated with Raritan Valley Community College Cosmetology/Esthetics Beauty Profession programming. The Spring award installment is conditional on student(s) remaining in good academic standing at end of fall semester. Applicants must complete an essay indicating how he/she will use the trade of cosmetology to support the local community.

Pellowski Family Scholarship
This scholarship goes to a Theatre or Arts major entering his or her final semester before graduation and earning a minimum GPA of 3.0.  The student must submit an essay, up to two pages long, telling why he or she chose the arts and where he or she hopes to be in 10 years.  

Norman Somer Scholarship in the Social Sciences
This scholarship is awarded to a first or second year RVCC student majoring in the social sciences.

Stem Brothers Scholarship
This scholarship will provide support for a student in the HVAC program at the Workforce Training Center.  The student must be enrolled full-time and must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Axel Velden Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was created in memory of Axel Velden, an RVCC professor who was instrumental in promoting, developing and implementing global education at the College. It is awarded to students who are either enrolled in the International Business program or actively involved in community or college activities that promote global education, understanding, and cultural awareness.  The student must demonstrate financial need and a GPA of 3.0 or better.  

Anita L. Ventantonio Scholarship
Former RVCC Interim President and former RVCC Foundation Board member Jim Ventantonio established this scholarship in memory of his late wife Anita. The scholarship honors Anita’s legacy as a teacher and will support RVCC students majoring in education and preparing for a career as a teacher.

Officer David F. Wilson Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Wilsons' 10-33 Foundation Inc., this scholarship is awarded to RVCC students from Somerset County pursuing an A.A. in criminal justice or an AAS in emergency services or law enforcement. Individuals enrolled in a Certificate Program for emergency management are also eligible for the scholarship. Recipients take a minimum of six (6) credits and earn a GPA of 2.75 or better.  

Mary T. Zanetti Scholarship
Established by Elisabeth McConville, an RVCC Foundation Board member, in memory of her sister, this scholarship is awarded to liberal art students, who demonstrate a financial need.  

Workforce Training - Advanced Manufacturing
Student must be enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing program which includes Manual Mill operator, Engine Lathe operator, Manual Machinist and/or CNC Production technician. Applicant must be enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Program; have a financial need; must maintain full academic schedule of at least 12 credit hours or more; GPA of at least 2.5 or better and maintain for the full academic year.

Workforce Training - Automotive Technology
The student must be enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Raritan Valley Community College have a financial need; must maintain full academic schedule of at least 12 credit hours or more; GPA of at least 2.5 or better and maintain for the full academic year.

Workforce Training - Cosmetology or Esthetics
Student must be enrolled in the Cosmetology or Esthetics training at RVCC Workforce Training Center have a financial need; must maintain full academic schedule of at least 12 credit hours or more; GPA of at least 2.5 or better and maintain for the full academic year.

Workforce Training - HVAC/R Program
Students must be enrolled in the RVCC HVAC/R program for the 1 year certificate track (31 credits) or 2 year AAS Degree Track (62 credits) and must have a financial need plus maintain full academic schedule; GPA of at least 2.5 or better and maintain for the full academic year.

Augie Eosso Legacy Scholarship
The recipient must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and be recommended by a faculty member, who can speak to the applicant’s ethic of academic responsibility and accountability, and also be recommended by his or her coach, who can speak to the applicant’s team spirit, leadership, discipline, and determination. The RVCC Athletic Department makes the selection.

Athletic Scholarships
The RVCC’s Athletic Department uses funds raised by the RVCC Foundation to award scholarships to student-athletes who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Jim and Jill Gibson Scholarship at Rutgers University
A scholarship has been established at Rutgers University for students who attended or graduated from Raritan Valley Community College. Recipients of the Jim and Jill Gibson Scholarship may earn up to $14,000 annually for two years. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be enrolled at Rutgers University; file a FAFSA application and demonstrate financial need; have earned a 3.0 GPA at RVCC and maintain that GPA at Rutgers; and be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. Majors may include animal science, biochemistry, biological sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, exercise science, marine sciences, microbiology, nutritional sciences and more. Scholarships are awarded by Rutgers University.

Lackland Scholarship to Centenary University
The recipient must have earned at least 45 credits at Raritan Valley Community College. Preference will be given to students who have completed their Associate’s Degree. Two students may be selected each year and receive $2,500 each. Contact Rebecca Raymond, Transfer Counselor & Articulation Analyst, Centenary University, 400 Jefferson St. Hackettstown, NJ 07840; 908-852-1400 x2218.

Richard and Ann Wellbrock FDU Award
This scholarship is awarded to a student transferring from RVCC to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison or Teaneck.  The recipient must have earned at least 45 credits at RVCC, with preference given to those completing an Associate’s degree at RVCC. Contact Anthony Mastropietro, anthony_mastropietro@fdu.edu; Phone: 201-692-7310 in the University’s Financial Aid Office.