The Michaels Organization has spent years working to improve quality of life for Camden residents — through housing, hiring, and support for local nonprofits.
Now it’s tackling one of the biggest issues in any community: Paying for college.
Earlier this month, the national residential real estate firm, headquartered on the Camden waterfront, celebrated its inaugural 101 “Michaels Scholars.
The Lifting Lives in Camden Scholarship Program awarded a combined $250,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from all 10 of the city’s public high schools.
To qualify, students needed to be Camden residents graduating from one of the 10 participating high schools with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college, university or vocational school starting this fall.
Michaels CEO John O’Donnell spearheaded the creation of the program as part of the company’s broader commitment to Camden. O’Donnell said the scholarship program is a direct investment in “Camden Rising,” the city’s ongoing redevelopment push, and that there’s no better investment than education.
Giana Campbell, CEO of the Camden Education Fund, was grateful for the partnership.
“Every Camden student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams after high school,” she said. “We’re proud to partner with The Michaels Organization to expand access to postsecondary opportunities and invest in the next generation of Camden’s leaders.”
The Lifting Lives in Camden Scholarship Program runs alongside Michaels’ existing Educational Foundation, which awards scholarships to residents of the company’s own housing communities. Michaels currently manages 1,200 apartments across 14 properties in Camden neighborhoods.
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen and Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young Sr. joined Michaels leadership at the ceremony.
