2024 scholarship recipient
Gwendolyn Powell:
Annual Junior Clinic hosted by Brandon Matthews
at the Country Club of Scranton
Each year, founder Brandon Matthews hosts a free junior clinic during tournament week, welcoming local kids for an unforgettable day of learning, laughter, and inspiration. With clubs in hand, Brandon walks through different shots, shares insights from life on tour, answers questions, and gives swing feedback to the next generation of players. It’s a hands-on, high-energy experience that connects young golfers to the game in a fun, approachable way — complete with an ice cream truck on site to sweeten the day. The clinic is a powerful extension of our commitment to junior golf, giving kids in our community access, encouragement, and a front-row seat to the sport we love.
CONTACT INFO:
If students have any questions, they can reach out via email at grants@safdn.org.
NEPA Invitational college Golf Scholarships
Each year, the NEPA Invitational proudly awards the NEPA Invitational Scholarship to a deserving high school senior from Northeastern Pennsylvania who shares our love for the game of golf and shows promise for the future.
Who’s Eligible
To apply, students must meet all of the following:
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Be a graduating high school senior from Northeastern Pennsylvania
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Be pursuing a secondary education (college, university, trade, etc.)
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Show a connection to golf through one or more of the following:
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Participation in a school or recreational golf team
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Employment at a golf course (including caddying, maintenance, pro shop, or bag room)
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Applicants are also required to submit an essay describing what this scholarship means to them.
What We’re Looking For
Preference will be given to students who:
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Demonstrate financial need
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Exhibit leadership qualities
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Have a record of academic achievement
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Are actively involved in volunteer work
The Selection Process
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Applications are submitted through the Scranton Area Foundation’s scholarship portal
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A dedicated and independent Scholarship Committee reviews and considers all applications
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The winner will be decided by the SAF Scholarship Committee vote
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The award is paid directly to the student’s chosen educational institution to cover education-related expenses
The Play Yellow Initiative
The Play Yellow campaign, inspired by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, unites the golf community in support of children’s hospitals nationwide. We are honored to be part of this initiative, amplifying our impact and joining others in the game for a cause that goes far beyond the course.
In October 2023, our founder Brandon Matthews was recognized as the Play Yellow Ambassador of the Year at the annual Play Yellow Invitational in West Palm Beach, Florida. This prestigious award, presented by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in collaboration with the PGA TOUR and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, honors individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to pediatric healthcare through golf.
Brandon’s dedication to this mission is at the heart of the NEPA Invitational—and this recognition is a testament to the power of purpose-driven play.
The Play Yellow Initiative
The Play Yellow campaign, inspired by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, unites the golf community in support of children’s hospitals nationwide. We are honored to be part of this initiative, amplifying our impact and joining others in the game for a cause that goes far beyond the course.
In October 2023, our founder Brandon Matthews was recognized as the Play Yellow Ambassador of the Year at the annual Play Yellow Invitational in West Palm Beach, Florida. This prestigious award, presented by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in collaboration with the PGA TOUR and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, honors individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to pediatric healthcare through golf.
Brandon’s dedication to this mission is at the heart of the NEPA Invitational—and this recognition is a testament to the power of purpose-driven play.