THE 2025 RYAN PATTERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
IS NOW OPEN!
About the Ryan Marie Patterson Scholarship
Who Is Eligible?
High school students in the communities that we serve (Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge Township, South Amboy, Sayreville and Piscataway) who are pursuing higher education in the fall of 2025. Previous winners of the scholarship are not eligible.
Are recommendations required?
You will be required to provided two written recommendations from non-family members in support of your application. Your scholarship application will not be considered complete or eligible for review without these two supporting recommendations.
What is the scholarship amount?
This scholarship is funded through the Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship Program, administered by The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy, a 501(C)3 organization. Additional funds are raised throughout the year in support of the scholarship program. The final scholarship award amount for 2025 is $2,000.
Are there any restrictions on how the scholarship money can be used?
The scholarship can be used to fund the recipient’s higher education cost. If you are selected to receive the scholarship, you will be asked to provide proof of enrollment and tuition payment from your school/university. Upon receipt of the documentation, the scholarship funds will be released to you.
When are applications due?
All applications are now submitted electronically. The link to submit your application is below. All scholarship applications must be received electronically by April 30, 2025.
How are people selected?
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.
Do you have a grade point average requirement?
There is no grade point average that is required to apply for this scholarship.
When will I find out if I have been granted the scholarship?
The Committee will notify the scholarship recipient in April and the award will be presented at the YMCA of MEWSA Annual Dinner to be held in May.
About Ryan Marie Patterson
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.
MEET THE 2024 RMP SCHOLARSHIP WINNER, CADEN LEUNG
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Congratulations to Caden Leung of Piscataway! He was awarded the Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship Award. Caden attended Piscataway High School, where he consistently excelled in academics while balancing his volunteer and extra-curricular activities. He was a member in various honor societies and participated in the Chess, Badminton and Chinese Culture clubs. He learned leadership skills from these activities as well as with the Highland Park Lion/Leo Club where he served as President and taught English as a Second Language and organized community service projects. With Rise Against Hunger in Union County, he assisted with gathering and packing food to alleviate global hunger. His most meaningful volunteer experience has been with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he assisted patients and staff with a wide variety of needs, from greeting to transportation, supply distribution to patient room prep, and mailroom duties to laboratory experience. From his experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Caden learned technical skills, but more significantly he gained an understanding of the patience, awareness of others’ perspectives, and empathy essential to working with critical care patients.
Caden now attends Rutgers University in New Brunswick and plans to continue a lifetime of service to others. The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is proud to support him and his education, and looks forward to learning about all the good he will continue to do for our communities.
Please help us to continue offering this scholarship by donating to our Annual Support Campaign:
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