Some would have you believe that money makes the world go 'round. The Lancaster County Career & Technology Foundation (LCCTF) is of the opinion that young people need money - or scholarships and grants - to make money.

"Scholarships and workforce grants are investments in students' futures," said Jennifer Baker, who's been the executive director of LCCTF for seven years. "They help students complete their education, enter the workforce with valuable skills and credentials, and pursue careers that offer long-term stability, growth and opportunity. Scholarships and workforce grants help remove financial barriers so students can access education, training, equipment and certifications needed to prepare for successful careers in high-demand fields."

Recently, LCCTF distributed a total of $87,000 - $46,500 in workplace grants and $40,500 in scholarships - to nearly 70 adult students and recently graduated high school students from almost every public school district in Lancaster County. The $87,000 total represented the most that LCCTF has ever awarded in its 23 years of blessing students.

Scholarships are applied to costs related to continuing education. Workforce grants are used for uniforms, tools and testing fees for individuals beginning careers.

At the end of the school year's third marking period in March, the application process, which included written essays, financial information and grades, was opened to students. The applications were reviewed by school counselors and program directors, and their recommendations were passed along to the LCCTF.

A majority of LCCTF's workplace grants and scholarships are funded through the organization's Fly on the Run fundraiser, which features a banquet and a fly-fishing tournament at Millport Conservancy in Warwick Township. Other awards are funded through private donors.

This year, LCCTF raised more than $140,000 in support of students and education programs.

"These scholarships and workforce grants have a transformative impact on students' lives," said Baker. "These awards not only help students overcome financial barriers but also empower them to pursue rewarding careers and achieve their full potential. As Lancaster County continues to face a growing demand for skilled workers, these students represent the next generation of talent entering critical industries and strengthening our local workforce pipeline.

"It's the generosity of the donors whose investments make these opportunities possible," continued Baker. "Through scholarships and workforce grants, the foundation fulfills its mission of supporting career and technical education that will benefit Lancaster County for years to come."

Since its inception in 2003, LCCTF has raised over $7 million toward its mission of supporting the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC), which operates four campuses in the county. There were 1,784 adult students enrolled in LCCTC programs during the 2025-26 school year, and LCCTC's high school enrollment for 2026-27 is expected to exceed 1,650 students from every public school district in Lancaster County.

"Beyond these scholarships and grants, the LCCTF supports the LCCTC by awarding teacher innovation grants for new program equipment, supporting student assistance programs and providing for the workforce talent initiative - a program that recruits, educates and places adult students into high demand, skilled advanced manufacturing and transportation jobs like CDL and welding," said Baker.

For additional information, go to http://www.lcctf.org.