New Oxford Students Make History with Landmark York College Scholarship Expansion

New Oxford Students Make History with Landmark York College Scholarship Expansion

NEW OXFORD, PA — Three high school students have become the first in the history of the

Conewago Valley School District to be accepted into the York College Community Opportunity

Scholarship Program (YCCOSP), marking a historic expansion of the initiative outside of York

City. It’s the first expansion since beginning in 1989.

Current juniors Aimee Lefever, Angel Solano Vega, and Alexandria Warren were officially

named as the inaugural YCCOSP cohort from New Oxford High School. The program provides

a transformative full scholarship to York College of Pennsylvania after high school graduation,

which includes not only tuition but also room and board assistance.

As YCCOSP scholars, Lefever, Solano Vega, and Warren will participate in a five-week

JumpStart program in June, including an overnight stay, on-campus activities, community

service, career exploration, and programming during their senior year to prepare for the

transition to college life. Once on campus, they will continue to engage in leadership

development and civic responsibility programs that link them directly to potential employers in

York.

The expansion was set in motion last summer following a phone call between York College Vice

President of Enrollment Management, Dr. Brian Hazlett, and Conewago Valley School District

Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Wesley Doll. Dr. Doll was immediately on board with the vision,

leading to an official expansion agreement signed in August 2025.

“This expansion represents our commitment to talent throughout the region,

” said Dr. Hazlett.

“By partnering with Conewago Valley, we are ensuring that financial circumstances do not

dictate a student's future. We saw incredible potential in New Oxford, and we are thrilled to

welcome these scholars into the Spartan family.

”The scholars went through a rigorous selection process, involving interviews and meetings with

current YCCOSP scholars. While the partnership was originally intended for two students, the

current YCCOSP scholars were so moved by the candidates that they advocated for a third.

Dave Meckley, the Warehime Foundation, and York College President Dr. Thomas Burns quickly

agreed to provide the necessary funding to accommodate all three rising seniors.

“For decades, YCCOSP has been a beacon of hope in York City and William Penn High School

students,

” noted longtime YCCOSP Director Ritamarie Trippett.

“Bringing this model to New

Oxford High School allows us to mentor even more deserving students, providing them with the

clear, supported pathway to success they have earned through their hard work and dedication.

”

Dr. Burns emphasized the broader impact of the program on the community.

“At York College, we believe in the power of community and the transformative nature of

education,

” Dr. Burns said.

“This partnership, bolstered by the generosity of the Warehime

Foundation, opens doors that may have previously seemed closed, empowering these students

to become the next generation of leaders in our community.

”

Dr. Doll echoed these sentiments, describing the partnership as a "life-changing opportunity" for

New Oxford students.

"By removing the financial barriers to higher education, we are ensuring

that our students can focus on their academic and personal growth, knowing that a premier

college education is within their reach,

" he stated.

For the students of New Oxford, this partnership transforms the dream of a premier education

into reality by removing the financial hurdles that sometimes stand in the way of high-achieving

scholars. As Lefever, Solano Vega, and Warren prepare to take their place at York College, they

represent the beginning of a new legacy for the Conewago Valley School District.

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Established in 1787, York College of Pennsylvania is a private, four-year college located in the city of York, a hub of

arts and industry between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Housed on 190 picturesque acres, the College is known for its

focus on experiential learning and community engagement, serving over 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students

in more than 70 baccalaureate majors, along with 30+ professional graduate degree and certificate programs. Deeply

rooted in the liberal arts and recognized for excellence in its professional business, education, engineering, and

nursing programs, York is ranked among the nation’s Best Value Schools by Niche. The College’s robust recreation

and athletics program is among the best in the region, and is home to 24 NCAA Division III sports teams and 25+

intramural/club sports. A Princeton Review Best Mid-Atlantic College, York prides itself on its experienced, engaged

faculty; its high-impact and student-centric philosophy; and its long-standing commitment to affordability and

accessibility.