Commitment of $50K funds new scholarship
BLUE BELL » Students enrolled in the Municipal Police Academy at Montgomery County Community College can qualify for a new scholarship program at the school.
The new program is made possible by a $50,000 commitment from Quest for the Best, a Paoli-based organization that provides funds for those “who are committed to strengthening the common good of mankind,” according to the organization’s website.
Under the new program, four scholarships of $2,500 will be provided each year for cadets enrolled in MCCC’s program that demonstrate “exceptional leadership and excellence in all areas of their police training,” according to a press release.
“Having served as a Chief Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia and as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, I observed, firsthand, the importance of sound police training. On behalf of Quest for the Best, we are honored to participate
in a program that provides the best possible training for police recruits to ensure future safety in our communities,” said Taras M. Wochock, president of Quest for the Best.
The scholarship program was announced on Oct. 9. The first
recipients are: cadets Layla Cruz of Macungie and Connor Kreston of Ambler.
“Deciding to attend the police academy was one of the best decisions I’ve made. However, the decision to return to school was not an easy choice, as I am paying for the tuition myself. With this scholarship, it makes it significantly easier for me to pay the tuition,” Kreston said. He already holds bachelor degrees in marketing and business administration and management from Ithaca College.
“My family has strongly supported my journey, and this scholarship will help to ease the financial burden on my family and myself. The scholarship will give me the opportunity to hit the ground running toward success,” said Cruz, who holds bachelor degrees in criminal justice and psychology with a minor in business administration from Chestnut Hill College.
Since 1973, MCCC’s Municipal Police academy has trained approximately 3,500 cadets. The school’s 800-hour curriculum allows students to earn up to 15 credit hours toward an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies.
“Law enforcement today is a challenging profession, but it is also very rewarding. It takes special people who strive to make a difference in their communities to work in this field,” said Police Academy Director
Jude McKenna.
For more information about Quest for the Best visit https://qftbfoundation.org/.
For more information about Montgomery County Community College visit http:// www.mc3.edu.