Founded in 2012, The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund distributes meaningful awards to selected deserving employees and caddies who clearly demonstrate a desire to further their post-secondary education, a commitment to the Patterson Club community, academic achievement, and financial need.  More than $150,000 has been granted to deserving students.

The 2024 Patterson Club Scholarship Fun Application is now open! Start your application today!

https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=fccfscholarships

1. Create an account or sign in.
2. Type Patterson into the access code box and click the “Enter Code” button.
3. Click on the blue "Apply" button next to the application.

For questions about the application, contact:

Khalilah Johnson, Manager, Development & Scholarship Services
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
[email protected]

For information about The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund, contact:

Heather Petrecca
Membership & Marketing Director
The Patterson Club
[email protected]

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (post on website)

Who is eligible to apply for The Patterson Club Scholarship?

Current caddies and employees who are pursuing post-secondary education at a trade school or university are encouraged to apply.

Who decides who gets an award?

An independent organization, the Fairfield County Scholarship Foundation, scores the applications according to the criteria set by The Patterson Club.

I applied in the past. May I apply again?

Yes, employees and caddies may apply in 2024 even if they applied in past years. Your previous application will not be considered.

Do I need to provide a FAFSA?

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid) is used to score financial need. You may apply without a FAFSA, but your application will not earn points in that section.

Do I need to get permission from my manager to apply?

You do not need permission, but your manager may be able to help you with the application.

I tried to upload the FAFSA but the file is too big. What should I do?

Compress PDFs online for free | Adobe Acrobat

Do I need to submit an official transcript?

An official transcript is the best option, but a copy from your student portal will also be considered.

I did not complete the application. Will it be considered?

No, an application must be completed to be considered for an award. Please contact Khalilah Johnson at [email protected] for assistance with your application well before the due date.

What is the last day to apply?

The application will close on August 25, 2024. Start your application early so you have time to complete the requirements.

How do I request a Work History Letter?

From the Application portal, select the “Compose Email” feature to request a Work History Letter.

·          To: [email protected]

·          Subject: Work History Letter – (your name)

·          Dear Mr. Goodrich…

The Work History Letter is missing; what should I do?

The Scholarship Chair completes the Work History Letter in August. As long as you have requested a Work History Letter through the Application portal and completed all other steps before August 25, you can consider your application complete.

I am having trouble with the Application. Who should I contact?

Khalilah Johnson at [email protected]

How much are the awards and when are they distributed?

Historically, awards have ranged from $1,000 to $10,000. The funds are sent directly to the educational institution specified in the application in the fall and are typically applied to the spring semester tuition expense.

2023 Scholarship Recipients

	Sarah Carbine, Grounds Sarah Carbine is attending Michigan State University with a major in Finance and a minor in Turfgrass Management with an expected graduation year of 2027. “My family and I want to thank The Patterson Club Scholarship Committee for the support and the Grounds Crew staff for the opportunities they have given us. Working for grounds first started as a summer job and quickly turned into something I wanted to pursue in college and ultimately make a lifelong career out of. I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked here for the past few years, and I hope for many more.” - Sarah
	Ethan Clarke, Assistant Pool Director Ethan is a student at Arizona State University, majoring in Business, with an expected graduation year of 2025. “I want to start by thanking The Patterson Club and The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund for this opportunity. This award holds significance for me, not only in terms of financial support but will also propel my educational journey. This scholarship will provide me with valuable resources to access academic resources for my future. Thank you!” - Ethan
	Jean-Pierre (JP) Delaugère, Waitstaff Jean-Pierre (JP) is a 1st semester Chiropractic student in the graduate program at the University of Bridgeport, he is on track to graduate in the spring of 2027. “The Patterson Club Fund Scholarship award eases the financial strain on myself and allows me to fully focus on my schoolwork. I am incredibly grateful for this award and thank the Patterson Club membership and The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee for this life-changing scholarship." - JP
	John Grib, Assistant Director of Outside Operations John attends Southern Connecticut State University and is majoring in Marketing. He is on track to graduate in the spring of 2024. “I cannot wait to take all the lessons and advice I have gotten here at The Patterson Club and apply it to the next chapter of my life. I thank The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee for awarding me this scholarship. It has given me great financial relief.” - John
	Greg Kaufmann, Grounds Greg is a graduate from the University of Connecticut Business School with a B.S. in Marketing. Greg is now pursuing a Master's in Business Administration at Suffolk University in Boston. In addition to his studies, he is a member of Suffolk's Baseball team and works as a marketing coordinator in the school's graduate programs office. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a great group of individuals at The Patterson Club this past summer. I'll always appreciate the lessons learned and will cherish the memories I made.” – Greg
	Nathaniel T. Kwait, Lifeguard Nathaniel is a student at Le Moyne College, majoring in Communications with a minor in Entrepreneurship. He is also a D1 athlete in swimming. Nathaniel is on track to graduate in 2025. This will be his fourth season returning to The Patterson Club. "I am very thankful to The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee for granting me the chance to pursue my education in my second year with reduced financial responsibility. During my tenure at the club, I have learned leadership and formed lasting relationships with my colleagues. I hope to continue my personal growth and become a valuable asset at The Patterson Club." – Nathaniel
	Christian Nazaire, Waitstaff Christian is a student at the University of Bridgeport, majoring in Finance with an expected graduation year of 2025. "First and foremost, I'd like to express my appreciation to the Scholarship Committee and all the contributors who made the opportunity possible. Receiving The Patterson Club Scholarship has been a tremendous relief, alleviating financial burdens and allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and additional educational opportunities. During my time here, I've had the privilege of working with great staff and members. This experience has not only enhanced my professional growth but has also contributed to my personal development. I thank you all for creating an environment where I don't feel like I'm serving just anyone; it feels like I'm serving friends and family.” – Christian
	Mitchell Petrecca, Lifeguard Mitchell is a student at Northeastern University, majoring in Engineering with an expected graduation year of 2027. In addition to being a Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, he is an Eagle Scout and a camp counselor. “I had a great experience working at The Patterson Club pool this summer as a lifeguard. All the people I met were super welcoming and I enjoyed learning about the pool operation. I’d like to thank the members for making this scholarship possible. It means a lot to me to contribute to the cost of my education and I am honored to be a 2023 recipient.” – Mitchell
	Peter Tavella, Caddy Peter is attending Keiser University in West Palm Beach studying for a Bachelor's degree in Golf Management. Peter has been asked to caddy in several Pro-Am tournaments in the West Palm Beach area. “This year's scholarship is meaningful to my family and me because it allows me to continue to pursue a successful career in the golf industry. My passion for golf took root on my first day of Caddy Training at The Patterson Club at age 14. I credit my work at The Patterson Club in my developing understanding of the game and communication skills. My work at The Patterson Club has opened many doors for me. I am looking forward to another successful summer at The Patterson Club.” - Peter
	Samantha Yepes, Pool Director Samantha is a student at the University of Bridgeport, majoring in Business Administration with an expected graduation year of 2024. “I want to thank The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee for selecting me to be a third-time recipient of The Patterson Club Scholarship. It is an honor for me. This scholarship has shaped my life and given it an entirely different-looking future. Three years ago, the possibility of getting my bachelor’s degree seemed so far out of my reach. But in May 2024 I will be walking across a stage, with my bachelor’s degree in hand and Patterson in my heart. I could not have done this without the support of my family and my Patterson Family. I am on track to becoming the best version of myself. A huge part of that is due to being part of The Patterson Club community. I have developed life-changing relationships here and have received mentorship and life skills. Thank you will never be enough to show my gratitude" - Samantha

The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund 2022 Recipients
	Joaquin Bianchi, Assistant Tennis Pro Joaquin is a student at the University of Texas at Tyler working on his BBA in Marketing. "First of all, I want to say that I’m extremely thankful to The Patterson Club and all its members for selecting me to receive this award. This scholarship is going to have a huge impact in my life since I’ve been struggling to afford school and thus, I was unsure if I could graduate on the estimated date. With the help of The Patterson Club, I will now be able to graduate on May 2023 and I couldn’t be happier about it. Working at The Patterson Club has been an amazing experience and I can’t wait to be back next summer." - Joaquin
	Benjamin Carter, Waitstaff Ben is attending the University of Connecticut to pursue an undergraduate degree with an expected graduation in 2025. He is studying Water Resources within the Department of Natural Resources. "The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund will have a significant impact by reducing the cost of my tuition. I want to send my greatest appreciation to the selection committee for this privilege. I also want to thank the food & beverage team, culinary team, and management for creating a productive and exciting working environment."  - Ben
	Maddy Crawford, Lifeguard Maddy Crawford is a second-year undergrad student studying Mathematics and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. She is a member of both the Washington University Dance Theatre and Dance Collective and is an avid member of the Performing Arts Department on campus. "My three years as a lifeguard and swim instructor at The Patterson Club has helped me to learn leadership and interpersonal skills. I would like to thank the Scholarship Committee and Patterson membership for their generosity, and my mom for her unwavering support." - Maddy
	Jean-Pierre (JP) Delaugère, Waitstaff JP is a senior at Western Connecticut State University, majoring in Biology with a planned graduation date of spring 2023. He will continue his education in graduate school studying for a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). "The scholarship award eases the financial strain on myself and allows me to fully focus on my schoolwork. I am incredibly grateful for this award and thank the membership and The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee for this lifechanging scholarship." - JP
	Katie Gjelaj, Waitstaff Katie is a sophomore at Northeastern University. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Fintech and a minor in Economics. She will be graduating in May of 2025. "I am grateful to the membership and The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee for their generous financial support. Working as a server for several months this year was a great experience that I will always remember." - Katie
	Nathaniel T. Kwait, Lifeguard Nathaniel is a freshman at LeMoyne College with a major in Communications and a minor in Entrepreneurship. He is also an athlete participating in the Division II swim team. He has been working at The Patterson Club as a lifeguard for three seasons since starting in the summer of 2020. "I am grateful for the opportunity given by The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee to continue my education with a lessened financial burden. Through working, I have made friendships and meaningful connections with my coworkers. I am looking forward to working at Patterson this coming summer season." - Nathaniel
	Avery Oracheff Avery attends the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce studying Marketing and Finance with a track in Strategic Brand Consulting. She will work in consulting following a spring 2023 graduation. "The Patterson Club Scholarship eases the financial strain on my family, affording me the opportunity to attend my dream school. I am so grateful to be at UVA, where I am constantly surrounded by people who push me to be the best version of myself." - Avery Grounds & Facilities - Avery's dad, Mike, is the Facilities Superintendent
	Peter Tavella, Caddie Peter attends Keiser University in West Palm Beach in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in Golf Management. "My family and I would like to thank The Patterson Club for supporting my career goal to work in the golf industry. I am honored to be selected and grateful for the generosity of the Club membership in creating a scholarship for students like me. My work at Patterson has opened many doors for me, including an opportunity to caddie at several Pro-Am tournaments. I am looking forward to another successful summer at The Patterson Club." - Peter
	Samantha Yepes, Pool Director & Junior Events Samantha attends the University of Bridgeport and will graduate with a bachelor's degree in Business in the spring of 2024. "This is the second year I have been a recipient of The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund and to say that I am grateful would be a huge understatement. This scholarship has changed my life. If I had not been awarded it, I would not be able to continue my studies full-time. I am in the process of becoming the best version of myself. Working at The Patterson Club daily, I can take the lessons from school that week and apply them directly to my job. I am learning how to balance work and school and becoming the best manager to the summer staff that I can be. I get to encourage them on their journey because I am right there alongside of them. Thank you to the Fairfield County Community Foundation, The Patterson Club Scholarship Fund Committee, the membership, and my work family, who encourage and support me every day." - Samantha

The 2021 Scholarship Recipients

Mathias Degardin, Racquets Pro Mathias is originally from Lyon, France who moved to the US in 2014 for higher education. He played NCAA Division II tennis at the University of South Carolina Aiken where he graduated in 2018 with a Marketing Degree. He earned a Master of Business Administration in 2020 from Queens University of Charlotte where he also played on the tennis team. Currently, Mathias is enrolled at Manhattanville College pursuing a Master of Science in Sports Business and Entertainment Management with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2022. My goal career is to become a Director of Racquets in a country club or tennis club. The scholarship will help me finance my MS in Sports Business and Entertainment Management and will help me down the road to obtain a directorship position as my education is directly related to managing a sports business. Carter P. Gallati - Head Lifeguard Carter is a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a double major in Linguistics and Anthropology and a minor in German. After graduation this spring, he hopes to enter graduate school and eventually complete a PhD in experimental semantics. The Patterson Club Scholarship helped tremendously with paying for tuition this year, especially with the added struggle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Carter would like to thank the Scholarship Committee, his ever-encouraging parents, and everyone at the Patterson Pool. Avery Oracheff, Grounds Office Assistant Avery attends the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce studying Marketing and Management with a track in Strategic Brand Consulting. She hopes to pursue a career in brand strategy. The Patterson Club Scholarship eases the financial strain on my family, affording me the opportunity to attend my dream school. I am grateful to be at UVA every day and still have to pinch myself when I walk into class.    Peter Tavella, Caddy Peter is attending Keiser University in West Palm Beach studying for a bachelor's degree in Golf Management. This year's scholarship is meaningful to Peter and his family because it allows him to continue to pursue a successful career in the golf industry. His passion for golf took root on his first day of Caddy Training at The Patterson Club at age 14. Peter credits his work at the Club in developing his understanding of the game and his communication skills. Samantha Yepes, Pool Director Samantha Yepes started her Patterson employment 5 years ago as the Panther Camp Swim Instructor and has now worked her way up to be the Pool Director. During the fall & winter season Samantha is the Junior Events Coordinator and does some Banquet and A La Carte serving. It was in her very diverse role where she discovered her true passion, people. Samantha loves a family-oriented work environment. This is where she can be her most successful self. In thinking how she could turn her passion for people into a career she found "Organizational Leadership" over at the University of Bridgeport (both conveniently 15 minutes from home and from The Patterson Club) and she started asking about the possibility of going back to school. School is a very big investment and Samantha would not be able to attend school if not with the help of this Scholarship. She thanks the committee for this life changing opportunity.  Past Recipients Luke Connor  Luke returned this past summer for his second season at the  Khearwoot In  This award is incredibly important to Khearwoot who worked hard from the start and is thankful he was recognized. He did his best to run the half way house smoothly for our members and their guests for two seasons.  Josue Martinez  Josue has 4 seasons of experience in F&B department and has shown much growth in his skillset. He will be majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at Norwalk Community College in hopes to transfer in the future. This award means a great deal to him and his mother who he described as a strong single mother who is excited about this opportunity for her son.   Erin O'Donell   Erin spent 3 years working at The Patterson Club as a Camp Counselor making the summer camp enjoyable for all the children that participate. She feels that being a recipient of this reward confirms the belief that if she puts in the effort she can achieve any objectives while having a positive impact on people’s lives. Erin is a freshman at John Carroll University and she's thankful for this generous financial support. It will allow her to continue her studies and focus on her future.   Marc Orlin  Marc has been a Caddy for four years and worked a year in the bag room. In his time at the club he developed professional skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership and responsibility. Marc is a Junior at Syracuse University studying sport management. He is honored and humbled to receive  this award and says those 5am alarms were worth it. Henry Schott Henry was part of the grounds team over the summer. He is working towards a double major in criminal justice and media communications at Johnson & Wales University. This scholarship will allow for Henry to finish his final year with greater ease. He is thankful for the opportunity to represent The Patterson Club well.