First Year of Michaels’ New Program Benefiting its Corporate Hometown Awards College Scholarships to Graduates from all 10 public Camden High Schools
Camden, NJ, August 6 – The Michaels Organization, a national leader in residential real estate headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, celebrated 101 high school graduates in the city, who were awarded scholarships at a recognition ceremony held August 4th at its headquarters on the Camden waterfront.
U.S. Representative Donald Norcross, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, and Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Young were among the officials who joined Michaels’ Leadership to recognize the academic achievements of the Michaels’ Lifting Lives in Camden Scholarship Program recipients.
Michaels CEO John J. O’Donnell spearheaded the creation of the Scholarship Program for Camden High School students, as a unique opportunity to “give back” to the city and contribute to “Camden Rising.” Becoming part of the Camden community, including supporting numerous nonprofits and hiring Camden residents, has become core to Michaels’ mission of Lifting Lives, but the Lifting Lives Scholarship program is a specific investment in Camden’s future. “There’s no better investment than education,” O’Donnell said.
The Lifting Lives in Camden scholarships can be used for tuition at any accredited college, university, or vocational school starting with the Fall 2026 academic year. To be eligible, students needed to be residents of the City of Camden, graduating from one of the 10 participating high schools, and hold a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
During the ceremony, Michaels Regional Vice President of Development Nicholas Cangelosi offered heartfelt thanks to the families, as well as the principals, guidance counselors, and teachers at Camden’s public high schools for encouraging the students to take advantage of this unique program.
Cangelosi also gave thanks to the Camden Education Fund, whose support and partnership made the first year of the program an overwhelming success.
“Every Camden student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams after high school,” said Giana Campbell, CEO, Camden Education Fund. “We’re proud to partner with The Michaels Organization to expand access to postsecondary opportunities and invest in the next generation of Camden’s leaders.”
The Lifting Lives in Camden Scholarship Program is in addition to The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation program that bestows scholarship awards to residents of Michaels’ housing communities. Michaels currently manages 1,200 apartments at 14 different properties throughout Camden neighborhoods.
About The Michaels Organization:
The Michaels Organization is a national leader in residential real estate, offering full-service capabilities in development, property management, construction and investment. Serving more than 200,000 residents in more than 550 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Michaels is committed to crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity, and to creating Communities that Lift Lives.
About Camden Education Fund:
Camden Education Fund (CEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating student success across Camden’s public school system. As a cross-sector convener and grantmaking organization, CEF brings together educators, school partners, and community leaders to identify citywide needs in education and invest in solutions that strengthen schools and improve outcomes for students. Since its inception, CEF has mobilized more than $20 million in national and local philanthropic investment to expand opportunity for Camden’s nearly 17,000 public school students. Through strategic grantmaking, partnerships, and data-informed initiatives, CEF helps bridge the gap between schools and the community to ensure every Camden student has access to a high-quality education.
