About the Scholarship
Richard “Dick” Lauchle loved the forest and worked diligently throughout his adult life to ensure the sustainability of Pennsylvania’s forests. In 1967, Dick enrolled in the Williamsport Area Community College now known as Pennsylvania College of Technology. He was accepted into a newly established Forest Technology Program, which expanded his interest and knowledge of the forest. While he understood the value of woodlands, he also knew the forests were vulnerable to disease, fire, and careless management. Graduating first in his class, he secured a position with one of the largest sustainable forest companies in the world, Weyerhaeuser, in Washington State. His employment was brief as a job opportunity arose within the Pennsylvania Game Commission which ultimately brought him back to his love— Penn’s woods.
In 1975, he founded Lauchle Lumber. He owned and operated his business until his passing in 2008. Dick was dedicated to his customers, industry organizations, and those who sought advice on timber harvesting and management. Lauchle Lumber was more than a business, it was his calling throughout his life. The Lauchle scholarship was established to honor Dick and his life- long love for the forests. He deeply valued the career and recreational opportunities that they provide. Out of that love, the scholarship was founded by Keystone Wood Products Association and funded by Lauchle customers, business associations, life long friends, and members of the Loyalsock Men’s Club, who shared in Dick’s passion.
Are you a forest steward?
Annually, Keystone Wood Products Association (KWPA) coordinates the Richard P. Lauchle scholarship, which minimally awards $1,500. To apply, eligible students who meet the criteria below must submit a short essay (not to exceed 2 pages) that, “describes their desire to be a steward of the forest and how they plan to impact the future of the forest and wood products industry.” The deadline is November 1st.
Along with the above-mentioned essay, students should submit the following support materials:
- A copy of their most recent high school or college freshman year’s transcripts;
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from unrelated adults who can speak well of a students’ professionalism, dependability, and strength of character
The Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee will select the scholarship recipients based on the following applicant criteria:
- Students must plan to attend or currently attend a higher educational institution and be enrolled in the Forest or forest-related program;
- Students must be a Pennsylvania student with preference given to residents of Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Sullivan or Union Counties;
- Students will have a passion for and a desire to be a steward of the forest; • Students will show evidence of volunteerism, activities, and employment;
- Students’ financial need will not be considered when determining scholarship recipients.
Scholarship Awards Disbursement
Scholarship(s) will be awarded annually and will be applied to the second year of tuition at a higher institute of education. Scholarship availability and the award amount is subject to change yearly.
For questions, please contact Betty Gilmour, Director of Grantmaking, First Community Foundation Partnership of PA via phone at 570.321.1500 or via email at BettyG@fcfpartnership.org.
Mail your application to
First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania
Attn: Program Office 201 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Or apply online at https://www.fcfpartnership.org/
