YMCA OF MEWSA SPONSORING RYAN PATTERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy has announced that it is once again offering the Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship for teen youth within the communities that they serve, including Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge, South Amboy and Piscataway who are pursuing higher education in the fall of 2023.
The Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship was established several years ago in honor of late Metuchen Branch YMCA swim coach and mentor, Ryan Marie Patterson. Ryan was 27 years old.
Ryan believed that every child should be provided the opportunity to sparkle. She helped so many children realize their gifts and share them with the world. Ryan believed that gestures both large and small had the power to make a difference in the life of a child. At a young age, Ryan committed to helping those around her. As a teen she began her work with children as a member and coach of the Metuchen Branch YMCA Manta Ray swim team. Her work with her teammates inspired her and helped guide her direction in college. Ryan attended Colgate University, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She then received her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in the Bronx.
After graduate school, the Bronx became her new domain. Ryan’s caring, insight, and persistence allowed her to help troubled children in need. At the time of her death, Ryan worked at the Morris Heights Health Center counseling and supporting students at the Health Opportunities High School and Truman High School in the South Bronx. Unfortunately, Ryan’s time was cut short. There is still much work to be done.
About the Scholarship: The recipient must strive for excellence in academics, sports or the arts. In addition, they must demonstrate that they have made an impact in their community through volunteer work, a service project or other means, live by the golden rule, have influenced others in a positive way and advocated for others who are less fortunate. There is no grade point average that is required to apply for this scholarship. The scholarship can be used to fund the recipient’s higher education cost. Applicants must be from the service areas that the YMCA of MEWSA serves in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
This scholarship is funded through the Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship Program, administered by The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Additional funds are raised throughout the year in support of the scholarship program. The final scholarship award amount for 2023 is $2,000.
How to Apply: Applications are available on the YMCA of MEWSA website at www.ymcaofmewsa.org/giving/ryan-patterson-memorial-scholarship. All submissions must be made electronically through the website. Previous winners are not eligible to apply.
Important Dates: All scholarship applications must be received by March 15, 2023. The Committee will notify the scholarship recipient in April and they will receive their scholarship check at the Annual Dinner in May.
For More Information: For more information, please contact Veronica Vargas or at veronica.vargas@ymcaofmewsa.org.
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About the YMCA
The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is a charitable, nonprofit organization devoted to supporting individuals and families—regardless of age, income or background—in their quest to realize their full potential through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day we serve 20,000 YMCA members and 1,000 children in childcare in five communities throughout Middlesex County. The YMCA of MEWSA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcaofmewsa.org.