Organization’s gift will support at-risk youth in pursuing higher education

BETHLEHEM, PA – Lehigh Valley nonprofit Joshway has partnered with Northampton Community College (NCC) to offer the Joshway Scholarship in support of at-risk youth who are pursuing higher education.

Joshway’s gift of $20,000 establishes the endowed scholarship, which will be awarded to students who have participated in the Joshway program, those who have overcome significant personal challenges, and those who are interested in pursuing any area of study in the arts. The scholarship criteria align with Joshway’s mission to provide resources to young people ages 12-17 in both underserved and traditional communities who are at risk due to mental health, familial, or economic circumstances.

“Partnering with NCC felt like the crowning achievement of our efforts, providing a seamless transition for these youths as they continue their journey through Joshway and into higher education,” says David Robertson, founder of Joshway. “It is particularly impactful because we’re deeply rooted within the communities we serve. Recommending NCC and offering a scholarship that our youths could benefit from seemed to complete our vision for their educational and personal development perfectly.”

NCC’s breadth of programs – both through credit offerings and community education – as well as its student support resources impressed Robertson. Scholarship recipients may use their awards to cover tuition and standard fees, books, daycare, or transportation costs.

Robertson founded Joshway in 2023 to honor his brother, Joshua Devon Robertson, who lost his battle with opioid addiction in 2021 at the age of 32. The organization’s moniker is a nod to Joshua’s childhood nickname, “Joshway.” Joshway provides programming on financial literacy, leadership, career exploration, substance abuse awareness, and mindfulness to help young people navigate personal struggles and develop the tools to succeed in higher education.

The organization is particularly committed to nurturing creative talent, believing that the arts allow young people to process difficult emotions in productive, healing ways. Joshua excelled in art and music, often singing in church, which is the driving inspiration behind Joshway’s focus on the arts.

Joshway would like to thank and recognize all those who made this scholarship possible, as it is a testament to your unwavering support of our mission.

 

About Northampton Community College

With an enduring commitment to the regional community it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College has developed a reputation as an institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students each year from 53 counties, 42 countries and 25 states. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.northampton.edu. Follow NCC’s President on Twitter @NCCPresDaveRuth, and follow the College on TikTok @NorthamptonCC and on Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege. Like us on Facebook at Northampton Community College.

About Joshway

Joshway is a passionate and innovative nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and empowering the Lehigh Valley’s next generation of creative talent. Through meaningful partnerships with local schools and community centers, they provide inspiring educational programs and cutting-edge technology initiatives. Their mission is to cultivate a confident community of young artists by equipping them with the necessary tools and support to turn their artistic dreams into tangible accomplishments. Joshway passionately believes in the transformative power of personal change and its ability to inspire hope and resilience. They are here to demonstrate that anything is possible if you just believe. Dream Big! Learn more at joshway.org.