Bucknell University, located on 450 acres near the Susquehanna River in Lewisburg, PA, is one of the nation's top universities with more than 50 majors and 60 minors. The campus is about a three-hour drive from Philadelphia.

Bucknell Community College Scholars Program Information Sessions

Join us for one of the following information sessions during Fall 2024 to learn more about this selective program and how to apply for this opportunity:

• Wednesday, October 9 from 1pm to 2:30pm OR
• Thursday, October 10 from 10am to 11:30am

Information sessions will be held in the Counseling Center (BG-07) AND virtually. Visit the Transfer Opportunities Pride Portal page for details and zoom link. 
Can't attend an information sessions? Just email for more information.

Important Note: The deadline to submit the BCCSP e-application and all required materials will be in March 7, 2025.

Bucknell Community College Scholars Program

The Bucknell Community College Scholars Program (BCCSP) provides financial and administrative support to a select group of Community College of Philadelphia graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree at Bucknell University. They target financial support to help high achieving, low income students continue their education.

Scholars, selected through a competitive application and interview process, first participate in a free six-week residential program at Bucknell University during the summer. Courses specially designed for Scholars and taught by Bucknell University faculty are the primary part of the program. Upon successful completion of the summer experience, students return to Community College of Philadelphia to complete their associate degree.

BCCSP scholars must apply to Bucknell University but if they maintain their academic excellence, earn their associate degree and are are accepted for transfer to Bucknell, they would enroll and begin in the fall after graduation. Bucknell Community College Scholars receive a tuition need-based scholarship worth approximately $67,000 per year for two years of full-time enrollment at the University for the pursuit of the bachelor’s degree. Additional financial aid to assist with costs of room and board, books and other expenses is possible.

BCCSP Eligibility

To qualify for the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program summer program students must:

• Have graduated from high school or earned a high school equivalency.
• Fully matriculated into Community College of Philadelphia as a student.
• Earn a Community College of Philadelphia cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on at least 12 earned college credits by January 15, or up to 35 earned college credits by May 15.
• Be enrolled in an A.A. or A.S. degree program and show potential to succeed in a matching bachelor’s degree program at Bucknell University.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Meet the financial eligibility requirement with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of no more than $95,000 for families (dependent students), $60,000 for married students and $40,000 for independent students.
• Submit the electronic Bucknell Community College Scholars Program Application and all supporting documents by March 7, 2025, for the Summer 2025 program. The application is on the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program web site. (See "Application Process" section below.)
• If selected, attend an interview for consideration of the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program. Candidates for interview are selected after application review.

Bucknell Community College Scholars Program web site: www.bucknell.edu/communitycollegescholars

Advantages of BCCSP

Students accepted for the a six-week summer program will:

• Live on Bucknell University’s campus (free room and board)
• Take two college level courses (4 credits each) - credits transfer back to CCP or any other college/university
• Have a "traditional" college experience with no additional (outside) responsibilities.
• All expenses for the six weeks are paid and scholars receive a stipend ($600/summer)
• Participate in campus orientation, team-building, research, technology and writing activities

Bucknell Community College Scholars who successfully complete the six-week summer program and are admitted to Bucknell University to pursue the bachelor's degree for the following fall semester will receive:

• Tuition need-based scholarship worth approximately $67,000 per year for two years of full-time enrollment at the University for pursuit of the bachelor’s degree.
• Financial aid to assist with costs of room and board, books and other expenses is possible.

Qualified students interested in applying for the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program for Summer 2025 need to submit the following materials electronically by MARCH 7, 2025. Official documents should be emailed to . The essays and other supplemental documents can be uploaded onto the application OR emailed to .

Bucknell Community College Scholars Program application requirements and documents

• Submit the electronic BCCSP application
• Copy of high school transcript (or GED certificate)
• Previous college transcripts (if applicable)
• Transcript from Community College of Philadelphia (a copy of an unofficial transcript is ok)
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a CCP faculty; recommenders should email their letter directly to )
  • Letters of recommendation should offer candid reflections, including specific examples of the applicant's academic record and potential; their leadership and service potential; and their ability to benefit from a bachelor's degree at a selective liberal arts institution.
• SAT or ACT score reports are optional (you choose whether to include your test scores when applying)
• Submit your FAFSA and identify CCP and Bucknell on fafsa.gov (The FAFSA code for Bucknell is 003238.)
• Signed copy of your parents’ 2023 federal income tax return. If you are 24+ years of age, you will be considered an independent student and will need to provide a signed copy of your 2023 tax return (U.S. citizens only). If under 24 and are declaring independence, please provide a statement and/or documents verifying your income.

International Students: 
If you are an F-1 visa holder, you must also submit the following:

• TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score report, if taken
• International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) form.
  • Available online at bucknell.edu/ admissions-aid/tuition-fees-financial-aid/apply-financial-aid/financial-aid-international-students
  • Statement and/or documents from your parents verifying family income in US dollars
  • Currency converter for your home country currency. There are many currency converters online.

For questions contact:  OR

Student Reflections

Former Bucknell Community College Scholars Reflect On Their Summer Experience

My Bucknell summer experience was eye opening. As an international student, my culture taught me to hold professors at a distance but during the BCCSP summer, the faculty insisted on class participation and connection; this was the first time I connected with professors on a personal level. At first it felt awkward but I learned to let go of my social restraints. I learned how to study while having fun! BCCSP can change your mind set and principles. 
— Bianca Frederica

First arriving on campus at Bucknell was nerve-wracking. I had no idea of what to expect from the six-week program. However, upon the end of the program, not only did I improve my academic prowess, but I created bonds among both professors and classmates that will last a life time. The Bucknell experience is one I will cherish for the rest of my life.
— Bayode Olaoye

The Bucknell experience helped me to understand how important having the right mentors and the right people around you make things better. The people and the genuine human interactions that I received there will be always in my heart and also what I learned in terms of work ethic is something that I always will treasure wherever I go!
— Julio Ramirez

I would describe my feelings at the start of the Bucknell summer program as apprehension mixed with doubt; doubt over my own ability to meet the academic demands. In the end, I think the relationships formed through the cohort and the effect of proving to myself that I could complete the courses were more valuable than the potential scholarship that tempted me to apply in the first place. The experience was worth it in and of itself, irrespective of any future reward.
— Josh Davis

Contact Information

For information concerning the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program visit
http://www.bucknell.edu/communitycollegescholars or contact the following:

Community College of Philadelphia

Sandra Gonzalez-Torres
Director, Articulation and Transfer
1700 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215.751.8476
267.270.5611 (call or text)

Bucknell University

Caro Mercado
Director for the Center for Access and Student Success Experience
BCCSP Program Director
570.577.1681