The Elk County Community Foundation, (ECCF), has recently added to its scholarship opportunities by offering The Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

The Elk County Community Foundation, (ECCF), has recently added to its scholarship opportunities by offering The Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship.
The Foundation acquired the scholarship from the Ridgway Area School District, who has awarded it in the past. The decision to transfer the scholarship funds was due to it being the most cost effective way to manage the funds by producing the most available dollars to the students.
The Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship was established in Josh’s memory and is a tribute to his life by his family and friends. As a student at Ridgway Area High School, Launer faced many challenges while in school, mainly health related, however he found that he could still manage to do, try and work hard in school as well as participate in outdoor motor activities.
He overcame those many challenges to reach his graduation in 2005.
Shortly after graduation, Josh underwent a heart transplant. Unfortunately, after a long battle with his health problems, Josh passed away in the fall of 2005 and is greatly missed by many.
This scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior from Ridgway that has demonstrated an ability to overcome challenges handed to them and wishes to continue their education at the college level.
Shane Munson was the 2009 recipient of the Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship.
Recently the Elk County Community Foundation, (ECCF) awarded nearly $63,000 in scholarships to area students. Each scholarship is unique to the field of study, eligibility and community it serves.
In addition to their scholarship funds, students may also receive matching dollars from PHEAA through the PATH (Partners for Access To Higher Education) program. 
As one of only 35 approved organizations that are PATH partners, the Elk County Community Foundation submits each student who receives one of the scholarships that they administer to PHEAA for additional matching funding. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in an approved Pennsylvania College or career school and be PHEAA approved.
Last year, students that received ECCF scholarships received nearly $27,500 in additional grants.
The Community Foundation also assists donors who have an interest in starting a scholarship fund, whether as a general purpose or in the memory of a deceased family member or friend.  Interested parties are encouraged to contact the foundation for further information on the matter.