Tools for Tomorrow: How a Home Depot Family Built a Path to Bucknell University

For John III, the path to Bucknell University didn't begin in a classroom, but in the aisles of a Home Depot store. The first recipient of the new Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship, John's story connects his future with his father's past.

The Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship to Bucknell University was created by The Home Depot's co-founder Ken Langone, a Bucknell alumnus, and his wife, Elaine Langone. It provides full tuition, fees, room and board for up to five students at Bucknell Universitywho are associates or the children or grandchildren of associates. The scholarship's inaugural year coincides with Ken Langone's 90th birthday, a momentous milestone for a man who has dedicated so much to giving back.

John III's journey has been particularly meaningful for his father, John Sr., an appliance sales specialist at a store in New York who graduated from Bucknell in 1988. He described the process as a "whirlwind," a series of fortunate events that felt like "lightning was striking multiple times"-from John III applying to the university, being accepted, his admission into the Freeman School of Management, and finally, being approved for the scholarship.

For John Sr., seeing his son follow in his footsteps is a point of immense pride. He's excited for John III to experience the campus, which has changed dramatically since his time, with new buildings like the student center and athletic complex bearing the Langone name. "I'm grateful that he gets to be a part of the program," he shares. This scholarship is "above and beyond what we could ever anticipate." It's what made it possible for John III to attend Bucknell.

John III explains the scholarship felt like destiny. He had already been admitted to Bucknell and was leaning toward a major in finance. When he learned about a scholarship tied to a Bucknell alumnus, he and his family immediately connected the dots to Ken Langone. Beyond the financial support, the scholarship is a recognition of his hard work. "It means a lot to be recognized for my academic achievements," he says. The scholarship helps him fulfill his personal goals and he is "incredibly honored" to have received it. John III is diving into college life, joining the student managers for the basketball team and the Bison Finance Society, which aligns with his goal of one day working in the business side of sports. He loves the small-school feel of Bucknell and the friendships he's already creating.

When asked what advice he would give to other associates, John Sr. emphasized the vast opportunities available at The Home Depot. "There's no reason not to apply," he stated, encouraging others to seek out the many programs designed to assist associates and their families. For John III and his family, the Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship is more than a scholarship; it's an opportunity that has changed their lives, built upon a foundation of hard work and a shared connection to The Home Depot.