The donation will support 10 scholarships.

The Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University was established in 2000. It offers single mothers who are academically eligible the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degrees while providing free housing for them and their children. The program also offers significant financial aid, subsidized childcare and a built-in support system. The goal of the program is to break the cycle of poverty that sometimes ensues when single women raise their children without the benefit of a college education.

For more information about the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University, please log on to www.misericordia.edu/wwc. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Vick L. Austin, director of the program, at (570) 674-6728 or at vaustin@misericordia.edu.

Caption:

The Citizens Bank Foundation is supporting scholarship opportunities for women enrolled in the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University. Participating in the ceremonial check presentation, from left, are Judith Ellis, manager, Corporate, Government and Foundation Relations, Misericordia University; Vicki L. Austin, director, Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program at Misericordia University; Donna Farrell, senior vice president, regional manager, Greater Philadelphia Marketplace, Citizens Bank; and Michael A. MacDowell, president, Misericordia University.