ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Lehigh Carbon Community College has announced nearly a half-million dollars in scholarships, and that money is available right now to Lehigh County residents.

Most of the money is for people who have struggled with opioid use or have been incarcerated.

People like Christian Camargo shared his story today.

Christian Camargo is 90 percent hustle and 100 percent Allentown.

“I love this city, because this is the city that watched me grow up,” said Camargo.

It wasn’t always so easy for Christian, who admittedly lived a life of crime for almost 30 years, and only came clean ten months ago.

He was one of the first to take advantage of the Promise Program, which covers 100 percent of tuition for workforce certification.

“You have the health careers, CNA Phlebotomy, there’s also I.T. and CDL classes,” described Sharea Knight, of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley.

State Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne calls these programs a public investment.

“Supporting Second Chance scholarships does not mean lowering standards. It means setting meaningful standards. Such as academic readiness, commitment, and clear goals,” Secretary Browne said.

Sec. Browne also announced funding available at L-3-C, which offers scholarships to those who President Ann Beiber says have never had to battle addictions.

“Secretary Browne referenced and that is a large portion for individuals right out of high school. No opioid addiction just right out of high school who want to continue their education,” Dr. Browne said.

Some of the money comes from Lehigh County D.A. Gavin Houlihan’s Career Pathway Scholarship.

“I ain’t gonna lie. There’s trauma from the life I used to live, but there’s trauma that we cause ourselves. And when I seen the DA come in I got kinda nervous. You know what I mean?” joked Camargo.

Camargo is now part of the trucking program. He says his story is a mirror for others just like him. The scholarship will turn his setbacks into a turning point.

“It is just a blessing that caused a beautiful ripple effect for the whole entire community that impacts everybody that lives in the city of Allentown,” Camargo said.

These scholarships are available year-round and can cover up to 100 percent of total course costs. Applications are processed on a rolling basis.

Contact Lehigh Carbon Community College for more information.