Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro joined America250PA to honor 25 outstanding Pennsylvania students as Semiquincentennial Scholars during a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence.
The students, selected from more than 1,800 applicants representing all 67 counties,
were recognized for their leadership, service, and understanding of civic values as
Pennsylvania marks 250 years of American independence throughout 2026.
Each scholar will receive a $10,000 award through America250PA’s Semiquincentennial
Scholarship Program, supporting their pursuit of postsecondary education at colleges and
universities across the Commonwealth.
“Our democracy was born here in Pennsylvania, when the Founding Fathers came together
in Philadelphia to declare independence and set ourselves on a path of self-determination,”
said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The students we’re honoring today have demonstrated that
they not only know that history — they’re thinking big about how that history can and should shape the future of this Commonwealth and this country. I’m proud to celebrate each and every Semiquincentennial Scholar — students who are now heading to our world-class Pennsylvania colleges and universities to continue charting their path to success.”
“At America250PA, one of our goals has always been to engage and inspire young
Pennsylvanians to become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive
Director of America250PA. We’re proud to support these Semiquincentennial Scholars
and look forward to the role they’ll play in shaping Pennsylvania’s future.”
The Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program is made possible through the support of InterDigital, Mericle Commercial Real Estate, and the Luzerne Foundation, along with Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities whose matching commitments expand the program’s impact for students across the Commonwealth.
