The JOSHWAY scholarship honors lives lost, empowers students overcoming adversity, and fuels new initiatives for leadership, service and college readiness.
EASTON, Pa. (August 21, 2025) – JOSHWAY, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive in today’s complex digital world, announced its partnership with Northampton Community College (NCC) to provide lasting support for students overcoming adversity. The partnership, which builds on the organizations’ existing relationship and established scholarship program, reflects a shared commitment to equity, purpose-driven leadership and the transformative power of higher education.
“Together with NCC, we’re building pathways that allow young people not only to access higher education but to truly thrive once they get there,” said JOSHWAY Founder David Robertson. “JOSHWAY extends its deepest gratitude to NCC’s Dr. David Ruth and Denise Smith for their unwavering support and shared commitment to uplifting the next generation.”
Administered by the NCC Foundation and Financial Aid Office, the JOSHWAY Scholarship is awarded to students who:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have participated in JOSHWAY programming (preferred)
- Have overcome significant personal adversity
- Show interest in the arts or skilled trades
Funds can be applied toward tuition, books, transportation or childcare, offering critical flexibility to support student success.
Recipients like 2024 awardee Rayne, who overcame trauma to reclaim her education, and Zach, a determined 2025 awardee with a passion for the future, embody the scholarship’s spirit and are proof that youth thrive when they feel seen and supported.
Robertson launched the JOSHWAY Scholarship at NCC in 2023 to celebrate his 40th birthday. Within three months, community supporters raised $25,000 to activate the fund. JOSHWAY has pledged to grow the scholarship fund by at least $5,000 annually to expand its impact.
The scholarship honors the life of Joshua Devon Robertson, David’s younger brother, who passed away after struggles with addiction and mental health. In 2025, the scholarship’s mission expanded to also honor Lisa M. Dell Alba, a beloved mother, mentor and wife of JOSHWAY team member Steve Rosati, who lost her life to cancer. Her legacy, along with the memory of Robertson’s own mother, who passed away in 2024, forms the heartbeat of the JOSHWAY Scholarship.
“Our goal is to open doors, lift voices and build futures for youth across the Lehigh Valley,” said Robertson.
The scholarship is one piece of a growing partnership between JOSHWAY and NCC. With aligned missions and a mutual focus on access and mentorship, both institutions are working together to strengthen opportunities for youth leadership, community engagement and higher education in the Lehigh Valley. Potential future collaborative initiatives include a volunteer app, bringing JOSHWAY’s ‘Future Ready’ leadership pillar to NCC’s campus and enrollment incentives for students who complete JOSHWAY’s Leadership Track.
Beyond its partnership with NCC, JOSHWAY actively invests in youth education through innovative programming and skill-building opportunities. JOSHWAY collaborates with organizations like The Century Promise, which focuses on college and career readiness opportunities for Allentown high schoolers. In the Spring of 2025, JOSHWAY coordinated a Toastmasters International public speaking program for The Century Promise students to help them build confidence, poise and storytelling abilities.
For more information on JOSHWAY or to contribute to the scholarship, visit www.joshway.org.
About JOSHWAY
JOSHWAY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering the next generation of creative talent in the Lehigh Valley. Through strategic partnerships with local schools and community centers, JOSHWAY offers educational programs and technology initiatives designed to nurture young artists. By providing resources, mentorship, and support, the organization aims to cultivate a community of confident and inspired individuals ready to tackle today’s challenges. Founded in memory of Joshua, whose belief in the transformative power of art continues to inspire, JOSHWAY strives to make a lasting impact on youth development. For more information, visit joshway.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Amiee Goldy
