PA Student Wins $10K America250 Scholarship

A Pennsylvania high school senior just received $10,000 to chase her dream of fighting crime, thanks to a statewide celebration of American history.

Alison Bilbay, a student at Jersey Shore Area Senior High School, earned one of 25 scholarships awarded through the America250PA program. The initiative commemorates the nation's upcoming 250th birthday by investing $250,000 in Pennsylvania's brightest students.

Governor Josh Shapiro hosted Bilbay and the other recipients at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg last Friday. He and his wife celebrated the students' achievements and their plans to shape the future.

"These students understand where we've been as a nation, and I know they'll continue to use their voices to shape our future for the better," Shapiro said during the event.

The scholarship supports students attending accredited Pennsylvania colleges and universities during the 2026-27 academic year. Recipients were selected from across six designated regions throughout the state.

Bilbay plans to attend Lycoming College, where she's already secured a Presidential Academic Scholarship. She intends to major in criminal justice with the goal of becoming an investigator.

The Jersey Shore Area School District shared their pride on Facebook, calling the award "an incredible achievement." They praised Bilbay's hard work and dedication, expressing excitement about her bright future.

The Ripple Effect

This scholarship program does more than fund individual educations. By connecting financial support to America's founding anniversary, it reminds young people that they're part of an ongoing story of progress and possibility.

Each of the 25 recipients represents a community investing in its future. These students will return their education to Pennsylvania communities as teachers, healthcare workers, investigators, and leaders.

Twenty-five Pennsylvania students are now one step closer to making their mark on the world.